By Jones Anlimah
A National Media Vaccine Network has been officially launched in Accra. The network, with an initial membership of over 50 journalists drawn from all 16 regions, forms part of efforts by African Media and Malaria Network (AMMEREN), and other partners, including the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and World Health Organisation (WHO), to combat misinformation and promote vaccine uptake in the country.
The Network is spearheaded by the Executive Secretary of the African Media and Malaria Network (AMMEREN), Dr Charity Binka, along with a senior medical officer of the Greater Accra regional hospital, Dr Emmanuel Addipa-Adapoe, and other dedicated team members.
The National Media Vaccine Network was constituted and launched at a two-day training workshop to equip journalists with the necessary skills to effectively report on and help promote vaccine uptake in Ghana. The workshop organised by the African Media and Malaria Network, which was held under the theme “Vaccine Uptake in Ghana: The Role of the Media,” took place in the nation’s capital city of Accra.
Drawing participants from all 16 regions of Ghana, the workshop served as a platform for journalists to delve into the critical role they play in shaping public perception and understanding of vaccination efforts. With the ongoing global challenges posed by infectious diseases, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for accurate and informed reporting on vaccines has never been more paramount.
Participants at the training were engaged in interactive discussions, presentations, and practical exercises designed to enhance their understanding of vaccination issues and efforts to promote vaccine uptake. Topics covered included Immunisation as a global tool for public health intervention, Ghana’s expanded programme on immunisation: the journey so far, the development of vaccines, and how vaccines work in disease prevention. Others included vaccine financing, the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine hesitancy: the Ghana experience, and media as partners in vaccine update uptake in Ghana.
Some of the presentations provided knowledge on the science behind vaccines, debunking common myths and misconceptions, ethical reporting practices, and strategies for effectively communicating with diverse audiences.
The Executive Secretary for the African Media and Malaria Research Network, Dr. Charity Binka, expressed the importance of collaboration between the media and public health organisations in promoting vaccine uptake. Dr. Binka emphasised the significance of accurate and balanced reporting in combating vaccine misinformation and fostering trust on immunisation efforts. She underscored the collective responsibility to prioritise public health communication for the benefit of communities across the country.
The head of the Family Communication Health Promotion division of the Ghana Health Service, Joel Abekuliya, commended AMMREN for organising the training workshop and assured that the Ghana Health Service was commitment to ensuring widespread access to vaccines and promoting informed decision-making among the public. He stressed the significance of accurate and transparent communication about vaccine safety and efficacy to build trust and confidence in immunisation programs.
A representative from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Michael Adjei, said journalists have the power to impact lives through compelling stories and urged the participants to be the voice of reason and trust when it comes to vaccination. He tasked them with helping overcome vaccine hesitancy and promoting a culture of immunisation across the country.
Participants were drawn from a wide spectrum of media outlets, including print, broadcast, and online platforms, reflecting the diverse landscape of journalism in Ghana.
As Ghana continues its efforts to combat infectious diseases and improve immunisation coverage nationwide, initiatives such as the AMMREN training workshop play a crucial role in empowering journalists to fulfill their responsibilities as advocates for public health.