By: Michael Kofi Kenetey
The Executive Secretary of the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN), Dr. Charity Binka, has revealed that for the past decades, vaccines have remained one of the most effective public health interventions in history. She explained that vaccines for the past decades have saved millions of lives, reduced the burden of preventable diseases, and protected communities from deadly outbreaks.
Dr. Binka was speaking during a two-day workshop in Accra for selected journalists across the country on vaccine communication and advocacy organized by the National Vaccine Institute (NVI) in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMEREN).
Dr. Binka expressed that though vaccines have achieved these proven benefits, vaccine hesitancy and misinformation continue to threaten progress across Africa.
She added that in some communities, rumours and fear have led parents to refuse life-saving vaccines for their children. As a result, the role of the media has become indispensable through responsible reporting, providing accurate information about vaccination, and educating the public on the benefits of vaccination.
Dr. Binka urged the media to use their power to, demystify vaccines, counter myths and misinformation, build confidence in vaccines, and inspire communities to take informed health decisions.
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute, Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, noted that the NVI was established in the year 2023 through the enactment of the National Vaccine Institute Act, 2023, Act 1097, which signifies a decisive step towards national self-sufficiency in vaccine research, development, and manufacturing of local vaccines to promote health security.
He noted that journalists play a crucial role in public health by not only reporting on vaccines but also promoting vaccine acceptance and fostering an informed and resilient society.
He noted that as Ghana advances towards vaccine self-sufficiency by producing local vaccines through NVI, journalists must play in fostering public understanding, acceptance and confidence.
He urged journalists to use their platforms to educate the public on the benefits of vaccination and help build trust among the public on vaccination.
