Detection Of Polio Virus In Tamale

Over the last ten years, Ghana has been declared polio-free. Unfortunately, the virus has resurfaced in Tamale, the Northern Regional capital and this is very sad. Poliomyelitis also known as Polio or infantile paralysis is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to paralysis, breathing problems and even death. It is caused by the Polio virus and the vast majority of infections present no symptoms. Pregnant women are more susceptible to polio. Most people affected by Polio do not become noticeably sick and when symptoms appear, they differ depending on the type of Polio. The Polio virus usually enters the environment in faeces of someone who is infected. In areas of poor sanitation, the virus easily spreads from faeces into the water supply chain or by touch and into the food we take. The virus can be prevented through vaccination. It is good the Ghana Health Service has declared a public health emergency in Tamale following the detection of the virus there. This will allow government to suspend state regulations and change the functions of state agencies. Already health investigators we are told are on the grounds to identify the possible source of infection and determine the extent of geographical spread. This makes it imperative for sanitation laws to be rigidly enforced in the area to curb the further spread of the virus. Open defecation must be checked and public toilets in the various communities properly disinfected. There must be compulsory vaccination of all residents especially children with the Oral Polio Vaccine, OPV, to give them immunity against the virus. Children must be provided with adequate balanced food, potable water, adequate sanitation and sound education. Even though the virus has been detected in Tamale, other communities where poor sanitation is rife must be the focus of health personnel. Intensified education must be carried out to sensitize people to the disease. Water sanitation and hygiene campaigns especially the need for people to wash their hands under running water must be carried-out.

Once the virus has been detected in a part of the country, the whole Ghana is at risk. Early detection of the virus is half the battle won. Funds and other resources must be made immediately available for health personnel and immunisation team to get to the field to help tackle the emergency. Until all countries especially neighbouring ones are free Ghana cannot lay claim to a polio free status due to the infectious nature of the disease. Countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia have in not too distant past have recorded out breaks of the virus. The most recent outbreak in Africa took its origin from Nigeria and spread to other countries. It is therefore not surprising that pockets of the outbreak have been detected in Tamale in view of the porous nature of our borders.

With the declaration of the health alert by the Ghana Health Service there is the need for total support from health personnel, communities and the District Assemblies and all who matter to mobilise children for immunisation programme. Polio will continue to threaten children everywhere as long as it exists somewhere in this age of global travel. We need to commend Rotary International for the assistance it has been rendering and continue to render to help eliminate the polio virus on the globe and by extension, Africa and West Africa in particular. Children are vital assets and the future heritage of this country. We cannot continue to lose them to preventable diseases like polio. Pregnant women must avail themselves of regular ante-natal care. Mothers must ensure that children especially those under five years are given the oral vaccine. Even though disability is no inability, it somehow affects national productivity as a strong youthful workforce engenders rapid growth. Disability or paralysis represents misfortune for an individual and their family. It is considered one’s or one’s family’s failure. Even though this must be an archaic view, the stigma remains. We need to do all to stop our children from being incapacitated by Polio which to all intents and purposes is preventable. The earlier the outbreak in Tamale is checked, the better for the country. Polio is an unwelcome guest and must be stopped.

BY: JUSTICE MINGLE, A JOURNALIST.