Accra: Dr. Charity Binka, the Executive Secretary of the African Media and Research Malaria Network (AMMREN), has emphasized the need to empower the media with the necessary knowledge to enhance effective communication and build public trust in vaccine uptake within communities. She noted that misinformation, vaccine hesitancy, and limited understanding continue to hinder progress. Therefore, strengthening vaccine communication and building the capacity of the media are critical steps toward improving vaccine administration.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Binka made these remarks during a webinar organized by the National Vaccine Institute, themed ‘Strengthening Vaccine Communication In Ghana’. She highlighted the media’s role as a trusted partner in advancing the vaccine agenda, asserting, “Building media capacity in vaccine uptake is therefore an investment in national health security.” Dr. Binka also stressed the importance of Ghana producing its own vaccines, citing local vaccine production as crucial for survival, sovereignty, and resilience. She argued that local production would ensure timely access, create jobs, build scientific expertise, and position Ghana as a leader in health innovation in West Africa. She warned that dependence on external supply chains leaves the country vulnerable, recalling the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, called for a multi-faceted approach, including increased funding and investment in infrastructure. He advocated for improving vaccine confidence through targeted messaging, community engagement, and addressing rumors and myths promptly to boost vaccine uptake in the country. Ghana’s public health system has historically been responsive to health challenges, serving as an essential component of the nation’s resilience and the first line of defense against pandemics.
Dr. Selorm Kutsoati, acting Programme Manager of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), shared that Ghana has made significant strides in reducing infant and under-five mortality rates. Neonatal Tetanus was eliminated in 2011, and no wild polio cases have been reported since 2008. Moreover, there have been no documented measles deaths between 2003 and 2021. Following the Meningitis A campaign in 2012 and its subsequent introduction into routine immunization in 2016, no cases of meningitis due to Neisseria meningitides A have been reported. Strengthened health systems have contributed to reducing Under-Five Mortality from 111 per 1,000 live births in 2003 to 40 per 1,000 live births in 2022.