The World Health Organization (WHO), the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN), and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) have jointly called on the media to intensify efforts in promoting vaccine uptake and tackling misinformation, as Ghana marks African Vaccination Week 2025 alongside Child Health Promotion Week.
A special virtual webinar held under the theme “Every Child Deserves a Healthy Future: Invest in Your Child” brought together media editors, health professionals, and development partners to highlight the vital role of immunisation in protecting public health and achieving universal health coverage.
Immunisation: A Basic Right and Wise Investment
Representing the WHO Country Office in Ghana, Dr Frank John Lule stressed that vaccines have saved over 154 million lives in the past 50 years, reducing infant mortality by 40% and protecting against more than 30 deadly diseases.
“Immunisation is not only one of the most effective tools in public health; it is a basic right and a crucial investment in our collective future,” Dr Lule noted.
Despite significant progress, he warned that challenges remain, with one in five African children still under-vaccinated and millions classified as ‘zero-dose’ children—those who have not received a single routine vaccine.
Dr Lule affirmed WHO’s ongoing support to help countries integrate immunisation into primary healthcare, identify zero-dose children, and strengthen health systems. He also pointed to initiatives such as the Big Catch-Up and the rollout of vaccines for malaria and HPV as part of broader efforts to enhance disease prevention across the region.
Media’s Crucial Role in Building Vaccine Confidence
In a compelling address, Professor Francis B. Zotor, Vice Board Chair of AMMREN, commended the first-time partnership between AMMREN and Ghana’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). He emphasised the media’s critical role in countering misinformation and fostering public trust.
“In a time when misinformation spreads faster than any virus, journalists must become educators and defenders of the truth,” said Prof Zotor. “The success of vaccination depends not only on science but also on trust—something the media can help build.”
He encouraged journalists to tell human-centred stories, showcasing the dedication of parents and healthcare workers while shedding light on both achievements and challenges in immunisation.
Combating Vaccine Hesitancy Through Trust
Mrs Bridget Anim, Deputy Director for Health Communication at GHS, explored the complex barriers affecting vaccine uptake, including hesitancy, misinformation, limited awareness, and socio-cultural beliefs.
“Trust is fundamental to vaccine decision-making,” she said, urging journalists to use credible sources such as the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, WHO, and CDC. “How we communicate vaccines is just as important as the scientific facts themselves.”
Mrs Anim cautioned that misinformation during health crises could seriously damage public confidence in vaccines and reverse years of progress in disease prevention.
A Shared Responsibility for a Healthier Future
Both Dr Lule and Prof Zotor reiterated that partnerships between scientists, the media, government, and communities are key to achieving universal immunisation.
“We cannot do this alone. Together, we must restore and expand routine immunisation services disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr Lule said, reaffirming WHO’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s journey towards Universal Health Coverage.
In conclusion, AMMREN urged journalists to become Health Champions—fearless, empathetic, and dedicated to building an informed and resilient society where no child dies from a preventable disease.
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