Cape Coast: The Central Regional Health Directorate has appealed to the media in the region to intensify advocacy for the Inactivated Polio Vaccine Two (IPV2) to increase public acceptance and consolidate Ghana's gains in the fight against polio. The vaccine is described as free, safe, and effective, boosting children's immunity against the polio virus.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Benjamin Adjei, Regional Coordinator for the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), emphasized the permanent damage the virus could cause and urged parents to vaccinate their babies. He addressed this at an orientation meeting with journalists to sensitize them on the vaccine and encourage responsible reporting.
IPV, administered through injection, protects children against the polio virus, which affects the nervous system and causes paralysis. It supplements the oral polio vaccine. Following the successful introduction of IPV1 in 2018, Ghana adopted IPV2 in November 2024, as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), to enhance children's protection.
Despite Ghana being declared polio-free in 2015, with the last infection reported in 2008, Dr. Adjei noted challenges in some communities regarding vaccine uptake. Ten districts, including Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam, Cape Coast, Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa, Effutu, Assin North, and Gomoa Central, fell below the 95 percent coverage target in the first quarter of 2025.
Dr. Adjei attributed the low vaccine uptake to religious and cultural beliefs, lack of stakeholder collaboration, and insufficient funds for reviews and supervision. He urged the media to raise public awareness and report community-specific challenges for prompt action.
Emphasizing the media's role, he said, "Advocacy for the vaccination must be intensified because the public trusts you. We need you to help us communicate better to the people to change their behaviors towards vaccines."
Mr. Kofi Sakyiamah Pobi, a Chief Editor with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), advised journalists to adhere to their professional ethics and avoid fabrications, urging them to report truthfully and uphold public interest. He also called for reduced bureaucracies to improve media collaboration with health authorities.
