Gov’t committed to ensure the availability of vaccines at all times – GHS

Despite significant progress in promoting child health through immunization, there remain significant challenges hindering uptake.

The World health Organization (WHO) reports one in five African children are still under-vaccinated and millions classified as ‘zero-dose’ children and the situation is not peculiar in Ghana.

Immunization of children against common vaccine-preventable diseases is crucial in reducing infant and child morbidity and mortality. And assessing the vaccination coverage is a key step to improve utilization of vaccines for children under-five.

Speaking at a webinar jointly organized by the GHS African Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN), Director General of the Ghana Health Service, Prof. Samuel Kaba entreated all stakeholders to continue to work together to strengthen immunization and primary health care systems in the country as it strives towards achieving universal health coverage.

The webinar was held to mark the 2025 Africa Vaccination Week (AVW) and Child Health Promotion Week (CHPW), the Ghana Health Service Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN).

“From the success and successful elimination of polio virus, vaccines have played an indispensable role in saving lives and safeguarding our community. Over the years the GHS through the expanded program on immunization have ensured that children all over Ghana received vaccines right from birth leading to improved childhood survival rates and a healthier population.

“The vaccines are free of charge and safe. Our mission is far from complete. There are still challenges this is why your role as media practitioners is much needed. No child in Ghana should die from vaccine preventable diseases. Let me take this moment to reaffirm government’s commitment to ensure the availability of vaccines at all times,” he said.

The WHO Country rep, Dr Frank John Lule in a statement stressed the importance of the vaccines in reducing infant mortality.

‘‘Immunization is not only one of the most effective public health tools; it is a fundamental right, a shared responsibility, and a vital investment in our future. Vaccines have saved an estimated 154 million lives over the past 50 years, reducing infant mortality by 40% and protecting people from more than 30 deadly diseases.’’

He further re-affirmed the Organization’s commitment to strengthen health systems.

‘‘WHO and partners are working closely with countries to identify and reach zero-dose children, integrate immunization into primary health care, and build stronger, more resilient health systems. Initiatives like the Big Catch-Up are helping restore essential services, while the introduction of new vaccines, such as those for malaria and human papillomavirus (HPV), expands our disease prevention arsenal.’’

This year’s commemoration is on the theme: “Every Child Deserves a Healthy Future: Invest in Your Child”.

The post Gov’t committed to ensure the availability of vaccines at all times – GHS first appeared on 3News.

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