WHO Rep. in Ghana charges media to lead campaign against vaccine hesitancy

Vaccination Efforts in Ghana

Dr. Frank John Lule, the WHO Officer-in-Charge in Ghana, spoke at a webinar. He urged local media to combat misinformation about vaccines. He emphasized the importance of sharing success stories related to vaccination.

"Trusted voices can counter misinformation," he said. He encouraged seeking information from credible sources like the Ministry of Health and WHO.

Dr. Lule highlighted the need for collaboration among stakeholders. This partnership aims to ensure universal health coverage for all children. The theme of the event was: “Every Child Deserves a Healthy Future.”

He praised immunization as a key tool in global health. "Routine immunization is vital for resilient health systems," he stated. It ensures healthcare reaches everyone, including hard-to-reach communities.

Ghana’s Immunization Programme is one of Africa's strongest, according to Dr. Lule. It integrates childhood health, maternal care, and nutrition interventions effectively.

He assured that WHO will continue supporting Ghana’s immunization efforts and primary healthcare systems.

Mrs. Bridget Anim from the Ghana Health Service stressed vaccination's role in public health safety. She called on media to advocate for vaccine acceptance and influence public opinion positively.

Dr. Anim noted that high vaccine uptake is essential for community herd immunity. She pointed out that religious beliefs could hinder vaccination rates in Ghana.

"69% of Christians may reject vaccines compared to Muslims," she explained. Despite this, 82.8% of Ghanaians welcomed COVID-19 vaccination offers.

Among those hesitant about vaccination, many feared side effects or distrusted the government. "54.3% believed they would experience harmful side effects," Dr. Anim reported.

Prof Francis B. Zotor from AMMREN discussed vaccination's effectiveness as a public health measure. He stated that trust and accurate information are crucial for successful vaccine uptake.

“Journalists must educate and clarify misinformation,” he advised during the webinar. They play a vital role in shaping public perception about vaccines.

Prof Zotor assured media support from AMMREN for impactful storytelling on vaccinations. "We aim to empower journalists with tools and data," he concluded.

The webinar focused on strengthening partnerships between journalists and health experts for better coverage of immunization issues.