In collaboration with its partners, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has launched the 2023 Child Health Promotion in Kumasi with a call to stakeholders to promote the benefits of immunization against childhood diseases.
The inauguration, which coincided with the first senior managers' meeting of the GHS for 2023, occurred concurrently with the African Vaccination Week with the theme "The Big Catch-up."
Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye, the Director-General of GHS who delivered the keynote address, stated that Ghana had made significant progress in reducing infant mortality, with immunization playing a significant role.
He stated that vaccines prevent the mortality of two to three million children annually around the world and that immunizing children is a crucial public health issue.
"Immunization not only protects children from vaccine-preventable diseases, but also serves as a platform for life-saving interventions such as vitamin A supplementation, distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets, and counseling, among others."
He stated that the week-long activities would help to increase participation in routine health services for children under the age of five.
It is also part of the GHS and Ministry of Health's initiatives to expand childhood immunization and other child health promotion services.
He stated that the government of Ghana, through the Health Ministry, had procured vaccines for children that had recently been in limited supply, and that they are now available throughout the country.
The Director-General stated that Ghana was on track to ensure that no child was denied access to the complete course of life-saving vaccines.
He stated that it was time to expedite efforts to ensure that no child is denied the chance to receive the full benefits of vaccinations and other child health interventions.
Dr. Aboagye reminded all involved parties of their moral and civic obligation to promote the benefits of immunization and other childhood interventions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, Dr. Francis Kasolo, stated that vaccination was one of the most cost-effective public health interventions available.
Vaccines, according to him, not only protect the individuals who receive them, but also establish herd immunity, which protects the entire community, including the unvaccinated population.
Dr. Rita Larsen-Reindorf, speaking on behalf of the Regional Director of Health Service, stated that the first five years of a child's existence are the most vulnerable because they set the tone for the child's growth and development.
She stated that it was crucial that the GHS and the Ministry dedicate one week per year to highlighting child health interventions.