By: Seraphine Nyuiemedi
The Volta Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Chrysantus Kubio has called for intensified efforts to boost vaccination rates in the region following significant gaps in routine immunization and COVID-19 vaccination coverage.
Speaking at the second-quarter Risk Communication Sub-Committee meeting, Dr. Kubio highlighted the region’s progress in health service delivery but expressed concern over the recent rise in vaccine-preventable diseases.
During the meeting, Dr. Kubio revealed that in the first half of 2024, 7,865 children in the Volta Region missed their third dose of the Penta vaccine, and 9,459 children were not immunized with the Measles/Rubella 2 vaccine. The region has also recorded eight confirmed cases of measles this year, raising alarm despite remaining below the epidemic threshold.
“This development is an important reminder to all of us that our inability to vaccinate all children from the vaccine preventable diseases has consequences,” Dr. Kubio emphasized.
In response to the rising cases, a national mass vaccination campaign is scheduled to take place from October 2 to October 6, 2024, in all districts across Ghana, including the 16 districts in the Volta Region. The campaign aims to halt the spread of measles, rubella, and other preventable diseases.
Dr. Kubio also addressed the ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19, noting that while Ghana has made progress, the Volta Region’s vaccination rate remains one of the lowest in the country. As of July 2024, only 48.3% of the region’s target population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, well below the 70% target required for herd immunity.
“Fortunately, over three years of implementation of COVID-19 vaccination have proven that the reality of myths, misconceptions, misinformation, rumour and disinformation about vaccines are all false. Though the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the virus still poses a significant global health hazard. It is therefore important that we continue with the vaccination drive to ensure protection of the entire population,” Dr. Kubio warned.
He assured stakeholders that the Ghana Health Service plans to integrate COVID-19 vaccination into the routine immunization schedule, targeting everyone aged 15 years and above. He called on all stakeholders to collaborate in driving demand generation and increasing vaccine acceptance to prevent future disease outbreaks.
The meeting served as a platform for stakeholders to review the region’s health sector performance and discuss strategies to close the gaps in vaccination coverage. Dr. Kubio commended the efforts made during the African Vaccination Week and Child Health Promotion Week, which saw the successful vaccination of 2,556 children across all antigens and the administration of vitamin A supplements to 3,703 children in the region.
“The Health Service and its partners thank you for your support. We further request that you use your influence to advocate for the COVID-19 and routine childhood vaccination and all the other helpful health interventions to prevent future disease outbreaks,” Dr. Kubio concluded.
The Volta Regional Deputy Director of Health, in Charge of Public Health, Dr. Kwesi Senanu Djokoto highlighted the growing concern over non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the region. He emphasized that hypertension, diabetes, and late-detected cancers have become significant public health challenges.
Dr. Djokoto pointed out that certain harmful practices contribute to these diseases and their complications, stressing the need for concerted efforts to dispel these behaviors and reduce the burden of NCDs in the Volta Region.
The meeting also saw active participation from various stakeholders who shared valuable insights on addressing these health challenges. Dr. Djokoto expressed optimism that, with continued collaboration, they could strengthen the region’s health systems and improve overall health outcomes.
“Our prayer is that together with all of you, we are able to enhance the health gaps within the region,” he stated,reaffirming the commitment to tackling NCDs and other pressing health issues.
