SONA 2023: President Akufo-Addo Worried Over Shortage Of Childhood Vaccines In The Country

The President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, says he is greatly concerned about the current shortage of some childhood vaccines across the country.

The vaccine shortage has affected nursing mothers who are unable to access Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG), Measles-Rubella (MR), and Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) for their babies.

Presenting the 2023 State of the Nation address, President Akufo-Addo said efforts are being made to address the challenge.

“The current shortage of some childhood vaccines in the country has concerned me greatly. This shortage, if prolonged, will negatively affect Ghana’s Childhood Immunization Program, which has been recognized as one of the most successful in the world. The WHO has only recently expressed worry about a steady decline in measles vaccination coverage globally because of the concentration on the fight against COVID-19’’. He noted.

In order to not be part of this global trend, the President revealed that his government has taken steps to ensure that stocks of these vaccines are procured and supplied as a matter of urgency.

“In accordance with our desire not to become part of this global trend, the government has taken steps to ensure that stocks of these vaccines are procured and supplied as a matter of emergency.” The Ghana Health Service has developed an elaborate program to catch up on children who have missed their vaccinations immediately after stocks arrive.

The president also encouraged parents and caregivers to ensure that eligible children are vaccinated once this program begins.