By Jones Anlimah
The Volta Region continues to face significant challenges in its COVID-19 vaccination efforts, with only 538,195 individuals fully vaccinated out of a target population of 1,113,194. This figure represents just 48.3% of the region’s target, making it one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country.
The figure also falls short of the 70% target needed to protect the population adequately from potential COVID-19 outbreaks.
Addressing a stakeholders’ engagement meeting and demand generation and vaccine uptake in the Volta region at Ho, the Deputy Regional Director of Health in charge of Public Health Dr. Senanu Dzokoto, said despite numerous vaccination campaigns and over three years of vaccine rollout, the region’s progress has been hindered by persistent myths, misconceptions, misinformation, and rumors surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine.
And according to the Volta regional health directorate, these factors have contributed to the region’s inability to reach the necessary threshold for herd immunity, leaving a significant portion of the population in the region vulnerable to the virus.
Dr. Dzokoto highlighted the ongoing risks posed by COVID-19, despite the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring it no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). “The virus still poses a significant global health hazard. It is, therefore, crucial that we continue with the vaccination drive to ensure the protection of our entire population,” Dr. Dzokoto stated.
Available information suggests that the Ghana Health Service plans to integrate COVID-19 vaccine into its routine vaccination programs to make it more accessible to the public (aged 15 years and above).
Dr. Dzokoto called on stakeholders to collaborate with the Ghana Health Service to generate demand and increase acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine and other essential health interventions in the region . ” I am self-assured that all stakeholders will collaborate with the Ghana Health Service to ensure demand generation and acceptance of vaccination campaigns. We further request that you use your influence to advocate for the COVID-19 vaccination and all the other helpful health interventions to prevent future disease outbreaks,” he added
As the region looks to close the vaccination gap, health authorities are optimistic that with the continued support of partners and stakeholders, they can overcome the challenges and safeguard the health of the populace in the region.
