By: Jones Anlimah
Health officials in the Volta are alarmed about the significant number of children who missed critical vaccinations in the first half of the year. Figures from the Volta Regional Health Directorate indicate that 7,865 children did not receive the Penta 3 vaccine, while 9,459 children missed the Measles/Rubella 2 vaccination in the first half of the year.
At a stakeholders’ engagement, the Deputy Regional Director of Health in charge of Public Health Dr. Senanu Dzokoto, announced that a national mass vaccination campaign is scheduled to take place from October 2nd to 6th, 2024, and urged stakeholders, including parents, community leaders, and healthcare providers to scale up efforts to ensure that every child in the region is vaccinated.
According to the Volta Regional Health Directorate the figures have alarmed health authorities, as these vaccines are crucial in protecting children against life-threatening diseases.
The Penta 3 vaccine safeguards children against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B, while the Measles/Rubella 2 vaccine is vital in preventing measles and rubella infections, which can have severe consequences if left unchecked.
The Deputy Regional Director of Health in charge of Public Health, Dr. Senanu Dzokoto, expressed deep concern over the situation and noted that the low vaccination coverage has contributed to a rise in vaccine-preventable diseases in the region.
“The fact that we have recorded eight confirmed cases of measles this year, coupled with the increase in rubella cases, underscores the urgency of improving our immunization efforts,” he said.
The Volta Regional Health Directorate is therefore calling on all stakeholders, including parents, community leaders, and healthcare providers, to intensify efforts to ensure that every child is vaccinated. “We must not allow any child to be left behind. The consequences of these gaps in immunization can be severe, leading to outbreaks that put entire communities at risk,” Dr. Dzokoto added.
Dr. Dzokoto announced that a national mass vaccination campaign is scheduled to take place from October 2nd to 6th, 2024, targeting all districts and municipalities in the Volta Region and urged stakeholders to get as many children in the region vaccinated “High vaccine uptake is essential for achieving herd immunity and controlling the spread of infectious diseases”, he remarked.
“Vaccination is widely regarded as cost-effective, an investment in health security, human rights and essential for public health intervention targeted at reducing childhood mortality and morbidity”, Dr. Dzokoto added.
Health officials are hopeful that this campaign will help close the immunization gaps and protect more children in the region from preventable diseases.
