Ghana Health Service to immunise 5.7 million children

The Ghana Health Service is to immunize about 5.7 million children in the second phase of the National Immunisation Day (NIP) programme against poliomyelitis (polio).

The programme is to create awareness of the need to immunise children from zero to five years against polio.

Dr Kwaku Agyemeng-Mensah, Minister of Health, said in the first phase about 6 million children were immunised against the deadly disease.

Dr Agyemeng-Mensah, said this when the National Monitoring Team from the Ghana Health Service, himself and development partners went on a monitoring exercise to ensure a sustainable exercise in Accra on Friday.

He commended development partners for their continuous support in the fight against the deadly disease that affect children during their development stages.

He said since the inception of the NIP, government has given about 190 million doses to children nationwide.

The Sector Minister said currently, as part of the campaign against Ebola, about 10, 000 health personnel and 50, 000 volunteers were taking part in the fight.

Dr Magda Robalo, World Health Organisation Country Representative, said the immunisation is a tool to keep children safe from diseases.

She called on parents and teachers to champion the crusade against the Ebola virus and teach their children to practise personnel hygiene.

She commended Ghana for their efforts to protect children from Polio.

The second phase of the programme, which commenced on Friday, October 31, was expected to end on November 2.