At an Editor's Forum in Accra themed “Vaccine uptake in Ghana, role of the media,” Charity Binka, Executive Director of the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN), urged media practitioners to support efforts in advocating for vaccine patronage in the country. She stressed the importance of encouraging citizens to take relevant vaccinations to prevent the outbreak of preventable diseases.
Dr. Binka highlighted the critical role of the media in dispelling misinformation and addressing vaccine hesitancy among the public. She emphasized the need for comprehensive reportage to shape public perception and promote vaccine uptake.
According to Dr. Binka, vaccine hesitancy remains a concern, and achieving widespread vaccination is essential for the safety of the entire population, including children, pregnant women, and adults. She emphasized the lifesaving potential of vaccinations and urged continuous uptake to protect the population.
Dr. Kwame Amponsa-Achiano, Programme Manager of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), discussed the challenges of vaccine acceptance and uptake in Ghana. He highlighted efforts to cover the entire population and achieve herd immunity, emphasizing the role of the media in restoring public confidence.
Dr. Frank John Lule, Officer in Charge of the WHO Country Office, Ghana, commended immunization as a significant achievement in public health history, noting its role in reducing the burden of infectious diseases and saving lives. He emphasized the media's responsibility to ensure equitable access to vaccines and hold authorities accountable for efficient vaccine distribution.
Albert Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), acknowledged the challenges posed by vaccine hesitancy and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to address misconceptions and false information. He highlighted the importance of media capacity building and welfare to enhance the effectiveness of vaccine advocacy efforts.
The engagement with AMMREN will involve sensitization, intensive training for media personnel, and discussions on radio and television to promote vaccine uptake. Additionally, there are plans to establish a National Media Vaccine Watch Network to further support vaccination efforts and achieve herd immunity for the safety of all.
