Ghana declares end to type 2 poliovirus outbreak

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced the successful closure of the country’s type 2 poliovirus outbreak as of August 2026. The milestone was confirmed through rigorous Outbreak Response Assessments (OBRA) and follows sustained immunization campaigns and strengthened disease surveillance.

Ghana has maintained immunization coverage above 95 percent since introducing the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) in 2018 and adding a second dose in 2024. The GHS achieved this result in collaboration with international partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Gavi, Rotary International, and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

While celebrating the achievement, health officials cautioned against complacency, noting that continued surveillance and vaccination remain essential to prevent future outbreaks.