By Joyce Kantam Kolamong
The National Vaccine Institute (NVI) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening vaccine communication in Ghana as it recognises the critical role it plays in building trust and confidence in the country’s health system. According to the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the NVI, Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, accurate and responsible reporting is essential in dispelling myths and encouraging vaccine acceptance. He was speaking at a webinar on strengthening vaccine reporting in Ghana organized by NVI and its partners for journalists.
Vaccine coverage in Ghana is hampered by vaccine hesitancy due to misinformation, cultural beliefs, and mistrust, despite a robust Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). The webinar was therefore held by NVI to bring together Ghana’s leading health authorities and experts to train and equip journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively communicate about vaccines and combat misinformation.
Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey highlighted the country’s progress in vaccine development and manufacturing, citing partnerships with global players and a strong regulatory environment. He said vaccine communication is a crucial aspect of public health, and the media plays a vital role in shaping public perception and understanding of vaccines.
“At the National Vaccine Institute, we strongly believe that science and communication must go hand in hand. A vaccine can only save lives when people understand, trust, and accept it. That is where the media plays a crucial role. Vaccines remain one of humanity’s greatest achievements. They have saved millions of lives, prevented countless disabilities, and enabled societies to prosper. According to the World Health Organisation, vaccines have saved about 154 million lives in the last 50 years, most of them young children,” Dr. Sodzi-Tettey emphasised.
He said by working together, health professionals and the media can promote a culture of trust and evidence-based communication.
“The National Vaccine Institute believes that accurate, ethical, and well-informed journalism is a cornerstone of public health. As you go through this training, I encourage you to engage deeply, challenge ideas, and help shape a culture of trust and evidence-based communication in Ghana,” he said.
“Together with the media, the National Vaccine Institute is confident that Ghana can build a future where health information empowers, vaccines protect, and every citizen will have the opportunity to live a healthy, dignified life,” he further stated.
Executive Secretary of the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN), Dr. Charity Binka, said misinformation, vaccine hesitancy, and limited understanding continue to threaten progress. This, she indicated, is why strengthening vaccine communication and building the capacity of the media is crucial.
“In recent years, misinformation and public mistrust have become major threats to vaccine confidence in Ghana and across the world. As recently as last month (October), some people were kicking against the HPV vaccine campaign in Ghana. This clearly shows that there is more work to be done.”
Dr. Binka expressed excitement that the NVI is addressing critical issues and carrying the media along. “It is important we continue to empower the media with the right knowledge to build public confidence in vaccines. To my media colleagues, be the champions of vaccine confidence, seek out the facts, challenge misinformation, and tell the stories that move hearts and minds,” she urged.
Representatives from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), and Ghana Health Service re-echoed the importance of strengthening vaccine communication for improved outcomes.
