Special polio exercise underway in Bawku

Bawku has launched a programme under which about 51,444 children from under zero to 59 months are expected to be given polio vaccine while 46,300 children aged six to 59 months would receive vitamin “A” supplement.

The exercise is a supplementary one to respond to the outbreak of polio in Cote d’Ivoire and to prevent the penetration of the virus into the country as it has become an entry point for refugees.

Dr. Thomas Mensah-Arfful, Bawku Municipal Health Director, told the GNA in an interview that about 265 teams made up of 513 trained volunteers with 53 supervisors would undertake the exercise in the Bawku Municipality and its environs.

He said it was unfortunate to see children dying or being physically challenged as a result of poliomyelitis and that the Ghana Health Service, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, had put in measures to ensure that all children live and are physically fit.

The Municipal Disease Control Officer, Mr. James Ayamga, called on parents to ensure that their children are vaccinated and to cooperate with the immunizers.

Source: GNA