The outbreak of COVID-19 and the negative publicity surrounding it has led to an increase in vaccine hesitancy in Ghana, according to Dr. Michael Rockson Adjei, the Technical Officer of Immunization at the World Health Organisation (WHO) Ghana office. This hesitancy poses a significant risk to individuals who have postponed or declined vaccination despite the availability of vaccination services.
Dr. Adjei expressed concern over the situation, emphasizing the potential consequences for public health. Vaccine hesitancy is defined as the reluctance to receive vaccines even when they are readily accessible.
During a two-day training workshop for journalists on the importance of vaccine uptake, Dr. Adjei highlighted how negative media coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened vaccine hesitancy in the country. He described the situation as alarming and a global health threat.
The spread of viral videos claiming that individuals experienced adverse effects after receiving COVID-19 vaccines has contributed to the proliferation of myths and misinformation, undermining vaccination efforts and exacerbating vaccine hesitancy in Ghana.
Dr. Charity Binka, the Executive Secretary of the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN), expressed hope that the workshop would equip journalists to advocate for vaccination and other public health issues in Ghana. She urged media professionals to provide accurate and positive information about vaccines to combat vaccine-preventable diseases effectively.
Dr. Binka also announced plans by AMMREN to launch a scholarship program to recognize journalists who champion vaccination campaigns. The goal is to incentivize and reward media personnel for their efforts in promoting vaccination and public health awareness.
The workshop aimed to train a critical mass of media professionals who will actively support the vaccine agenda and disseminate accurate information to safeguard the public from vaccine-preventable diseases. It is essential for journalists to uphold ethical standards and provide trustworthy information to help build trust in vaccination programs and protect public health in Ghana.
