Afienya-Mataheko: The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Ningo-Prampram district has organized a town hall meeting focused on child vaccinations and health services for parents and guardians in the Afienya-Mataheko area.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event was held under the theme 'Ghana's Future, Our Collective Responsibility.' This initiative is part of the NCCE's mission to raise awareness and educate the citizens of Ghana on national issues. Mr. Moses Sackitey, the NCCE officer in charge of the Afienya-Mateheko Zonal Area, highlighted the collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) during the African Health Promotion Week, aiming to emphasize the importance of child vaccination and the processes involved.
Mr. Sackitey emphasized the benefits of vaccination for children and parents, explaining that immunization safeguards children against specific diseases and bacteria. He pointed out that vaccination not only protects individuals but also strengthens the community's immune system and contributes to its development. He encouraged Ghanaians, particularly parents, to actively participate in the vaccination campaign.
Mr. Sackitey also addressed existing misconceptions about vaccination, urging caregivers to recognize its role in prevention and its impact on reducing mortality rates among both children and adults.
Madam Monica Essel, a community health nurse at the SOS CHPS Compound, Afienya-Mataheko, observed that many parents neglect to take their children to the child welfare clinic for vaccinations due to misconceptions and other activities. She clarified that vaccines are administered from birth until five years of age to protect against preventable diseases.
Madam Essel further explained that vaccines are available to protect individuals from sexually transmitted infections like hepatitis B and diseases such as rabies. She reassured that vaccines are safe for humans and addressed concerns about potential reactions, attributing them to allergies rather than incorrect administration by healthcare professionals.
She urged parents to seek immediate medical attention if their children experience reactions, discouraging reliance on misconceptions that hinder vaccination efforts.
Mr. Peter Akplehe Agyemang, the assembly member for Mataheko Electoral Area, reaffirmed the significance of vaccination in individual growth and reducing community mortality rates. He encouraged parents to regularly visit healthcare centers to vaccinate their children against preventable diseases and infections.
Madam Florence Sedjoah Asukera, the former market queen of the Mataheko community market, emphasized the benefits of vaccination, particularly for mothers, as it prevents diseases and reduces healthcare costs. She also encouraged mothers and pregnant women to seek advice and education from health professionals regarding their health and children's vaccination.