The Navrongo Health Research Centre, in the Kassena Nankana District of the Upper East Region has concluded the trial on Sputnik Light Vaccine for Covid-19, which is a one-dose vaccine, and about 79% effective against the disease. Apart from the Sputnik Light Vaccine produced by the Gamaleya Institute of Russia, the Centre, among other research centres, namely the Kintampo Health Research Centre and the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, undertook another trial of the Sanofi Pasteur Vaccine.
Head of Clinical Science Department of the Navrongo Health Research Centre, Dr Nana Akosua Ansah, explained that the Sputnik Light was the first dose of the Sputnik V. Dr Ansah said this in an interview with journalists on the side-lines of the 2021 performance review meeting of the Research Centre. She said several people were screened for the trial that ruled out persons under 18 years old, pregnant women, and those with diseases such as HIV and AIDS and hepatitis. She said even though the Covid-19 vaccines might not completely protect one against the virus, it could protect against the severe form of the disease that could lead to hospitalisation or death, and also against the development of more variants.
On challenges during the vaccine trial, Dr Ansah said recruitment of participants was smooth, but power fluctuation was one of the major challenges. She said the Centre had very sensitive vaccine refrigerators and temperature monitoring devices that function for 24-hours a day. The Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Emmanuel Kofi Dzotsi, said there are pertinent issues in the health sector that need research to find solutions to. He commended management of the Navrongo Research Centre for their research work over the years.
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