Volta Region records decline in child immunisation coverage - Health officials

Health authorities in the Volta Region are worried. Child immunisation coverage has declined in early 2025. This decline could lead to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

At a recent meeting in Ho, Emmanuel Bonsu spoke about this issue. He is the Regional EPI Coordinator. He noted that vaccination rates for key antigens have dropped compared to last year.

For example, Penta 3 coverage fell from 78.4% in early 2024 to 70.8% in 2025. MR2 coverage also decreased from 70.2% to 69.3%. Districts like Ho, Anloga, and Ketu South experienced significant declines.

Mr. Bonsu identified several reasons for this trend. These include high staff turnover and limited funding for outreach services. Community engagement has also been insufficient.

“This is a wake-up call,” he stated. “We need urgent action to prevent disease outbreaks.”

The meeting highlighted African Vaccination Week (AVW) and Child Health Promotion Week (CHPW). These events occur annually in April and May.

Supported by WHO and Ghana Health Service, these initiatives aim to boost immunisation efforts. They also promote nutrition, growth monitoring, and birth registration for children.

The CHPW theme is “Every Child Deserves a Healthy Future; Invest in Your Child.” It will provide services like deworming and Vitamin A supplementation.

To close the immunisation gaps, Mr. Bonsu suggested several actions. Strengthening routine immunisation systems is crucial. Increasing support for remote areas is also needed.

Engaging civil society organizations can help as well. Additionally, mop-up campaigns should target children who missed vaccinations.

Health stakeholders committed to enhancing advocacy and resource allocation. They aim to ensure every child receives necessary vaccinations in the region.