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The Ministry of Health has declared a public health emergency following the detection of a circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in Koforidua, the capital of the Eastern Region. The virus was identified through routine surveillance conducted by the Polio Laboratory at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, September 17, Health Minister Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye confirmed that the environmental sample, collected on August 20, tested positive for cVDPV2 on September 5. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, urging swift action to prevent the virus from spreading further.
In response, the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service have launched field investigations to trace the source of the virus and assess its risk of spreading to human populations. Enhanced surveillance systems have been implemented to closely monitor the situation.
Dr. Okoe-Boye urged the public to take precautionary measures, including proper handwashing, improved sanitation, and safe disposal of faeces. Parents are also encouraged to ensure their children complete their vaccination schedules to boost immunity against polio.
The discovery marks a significant public health concern, as Ghana continues efforts to maintain polio-free status following years of successful eradication campaigns. The last wild polio case was recorded in Nigeria in 2016.
