Wenchi District immunises 21,752 children against Polio

Wenchi (B/A), Dec. 6, GNA - A total of 21,752 children, aged from zero to five years were immunized in the Wenchi District of Brong Ahafo, during the first part of the immunization programme in October, this year.

Dr. Peter Asare, District Director of Health Services, who disclosed this to Ghana News Agency on Monday, said 19,799 children, aged between six months and five years were also given vitamin 'A' capsules during the exercise.

He commended the Regional Health Directorate and the District Assembly for donating 32,067,349 cedis and 10 million cedis respectively, in support of the two exercises.

Dr. Asare said the programme was to immunize all children from birth to 59 months in age against polio and give those aged from six to 59 months Vitamin 'A', adding, 21,401 children were targeted for the exercise.

Mr Owusu Afriyie, District Disease Control Officer, mentioned inadequate means of transport for supervision as a major problem encountered during the first part of the programme. He appealed to the District Assembly to ensure that, more vehicles were released by other departments to assist in future exercise. The disease control officer urged the health directorate to carry out effective monitoring and supervision during the second round of the programme from December 9 to 11.

Mr Afriyie entreated mothers and the general public to ensure that, their children under five years were immunized.