As Ghana prepares to introduce the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B delivery dose (HepB-BD) vaccines into its routine immunization time table by the tip of 2025, efforts are underway to fetch particular the public is now not finest in actual fact helpful but additionally assured in these lifestyles-saving interventions.
The new vaccines establish promise to considerably lower the burden of cervical most cancers and persistent liver disease within the country. But, abilities has shown that scientific breakthroughs alone are now not ample. Clear, consistent, and culturally sensitive communication is vital to building public belief and guaranteeing high uptake—especially within the face of rising misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.
To offer a boost to the uptake of these vaccines, the Ghana Neatly being Service with enhance from the World Neatly being Group (WHO) has led a multi-stakeholder route of to originate comprehensive communication guidelines for the introduction of the HPV and HepB-BD vaccines. These guidelines are designed to foster public working out, attend acceptance, and present healthcare workers with tools to engage meaningfully with communities.
“Vaccines can establish lives, but finest if other people take them. That’s why it’s essential to fetch particular households, caregivers, and healthcare suppliers possess the proper files, at the proper time, thru the proper channels”, said Dr Michael Rockson Adjei, WHO Ghana Vaccine Initiative Officer..
The development of the guidelines brought together experts from across sectors—health professionals, civil society, media, academia, development partners like WHO, UNICEF, PATH, and JSI, as well as religious and traditional leaders. Through a mix of desk reviews, interviews, and focus group discussions, the team identified communication gaps and designed messages tailored to Ghana’s diverse population.
The guidelines are structured around six key pillars. They begin with a situation analysis to understand current challenges, followed by multi-channel communication strategies using both traditional and digital platforms. Specific activities are outlined at national, regional, and community levels, ensuring coordinated messaging across all tiers of the health system.
A critical component of the strategy is real-time crisis communication. In an age of viral misinformation, the guidelines offer tools to monitor public perception, quickly correct false claims, and reinforce confidence through transparency. Additionally, a robust monitoring and evaluation framework will track the effectiveness of the communication efforts, allowing for adjustments as needed.
With the framework in place, attention now shifts to implementation. This includes resource mobilization, development of social and behavioural change materials, training sessions for healthcare workers, and regular assessments to gauge impact.
Ultimately, these efforts aim to do more than raise awareness. They are about empowering communities to make informed decisions and trust in a system that is working for their health and well-being.
As Ghana moves closer to introducing the HPV and HepB-BD vaccines, this proactive and collaborative approach to communication will be critical to success. It’s a powerful step toward a future where no individual suffers from vaccine-preventable disease—and everyone is confident confident in the immunization programme.
For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa
Communications Officer
WHO Ghana Country Office
Email: abdullahiea [at] who.int (abdullahiea[at]who[dot]int)
Tel: +233 20 196 2393
