The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and Ghana Health Service (GHS) have launched a comprehensive awareness campaign to promote vaccination and increase uptake in the Greater Accra Region, in celebration of African Vaccination Week and Child Health Promotion Week.
The initiative targets parents and guardians of children under five years of age, focusing on key areas such as:
– The importance of routine vaccination
– Benefits and safety of vaccines
– Access and availability of vaccination services
– Parental responsibilities in child health
– Community involvement in promoting vaccination
According to Mrs Gifty Agyeiwaa Badu, Director of the NCCE’s Tema Metropolitan Office, low vaccine uptake in 2024 was attributed to parental misconceptions about vaccine safety and lack of awareness.
“Many parents believe the vaccines will harm their children, which is why they do not bring them for vaccination,” she explained.
Mrs Agyeiwaa highlighted the vaccination schedule for children from birth to age five, emphasising that every child receives specific injections at various developmental stages.
“From birth, children are given vaccines against polio, and subsequent injections are administered at six weeks, with the number of vaccines increasing from two to six and now 14,” she disclosed.
She further explained that health workers play a vital role in monitoring child development, providing guidance on nutrition, and ensuring parents are equipped to support their child’s growth.
“Health workers monitor parents’ activities towards their child’s development, provide guidance on proper nutrition for nursing mothers, and emphasise the importance of regular weighing and record-keeping,” she added.
“This includes advising mothers on the right foods to eat to produce nourishing breast milk for their babies.”
Parents are also advised to carry their child’s weighing card for accurate records and future reference.
An open forum was held for parents and guardians to share feedback and respond to questions, providing a platform for concerns to be addressed and clarifications made.
Mrs Agyeiwaa urged parents to spread the good news about vaccination and child health services, encouraging community involvement in the promoting public health. She also encouraged routine check-ups for parents for early detection and management of any health issues, promoting overall family well-being.
The NCCE has engaged various groups, including churches, associations, artisans, and driver unions, to promote this public health agenda. On 28 May 2025, they sensitised the Middle Age Ladies Society on the free child health services provided by the GHS, including vaccinations and growth monitoring.
This campaign aims to address misconceptions, improve vaccine uptake, and promote child health in the Greater Accra Region, reducing the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases and ensuring children receive the necessary care to thrive.
By: Longman/Planbfmonline.com
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