Ghana has formally closed its type 2 poliovirus outbreak after assessments found transmission had been interrupted, though health officials warned that vigilance and vaccination must continue.
Ghana has formally closed its type 2 poliovirus outbreak, a milestone public health officials say reflects years of vaccination, surveillance and community outreach. The Ghana Health Service said the outbreak was declared over in August 2026 after Outbreak Response Assessments confirmed that transmission had been interrupted, and the announcement was made as the country marked World Polio Day on Saturday.
The service said the result was achieved with support from the Ministry of Health and international partners including the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, Gavi, Rotary International and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The closure places Ghana alongside Burundi, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Congo and Uganda, which also ended their type 2 poliovirus outbreaks in August 2026, according to reports from regional and local health coverage.
Health officials credited the progress to routine immunisation, supplementary vaccination drives, outbreak response measures and sustained engagement with communities. The Ghana Health Service said coverage has stayed above 95% since the introduction of the inactivated polio vaccine in 2018, with a second dose added in 2024 to strengthen protection for children against a virus that can cause paralysis and, in severe cases, death.
But officials cautioned that the achievement is not a reason to relax. The service urged parents and carers to keep children up to date with recommended vaccinations and called for continued surveillance, warning that poliovirus anywhere remains a risk to other countries until global eradication is complete. This year’s World Polio Day theme, “One Day, One Focus: Ending Polio for Good”, was intended to underline the need for continued community participation and vigilance.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
