The National Vaccine Institute (NVI) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening public trust in vaccines and advancing Ghana’s goal of vaccine self-sufficiency through robust media engagement and strategic partnerships.
Speaking at a webinar on “Strengthening Vaccine Communication in Ghana,” the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Institute, Dr Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, highlighted the critical role of journalists in shaping public perception and promoting vaccine confidence.
He noted that while Ghana’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) has recorded significant success — with coverage exceeding 85% for most antigens — vaccine hesitancy driven by misinformation, cultural beliefs, and mistrust remains a major challenge.
“A vaccine can only save lives when people understand, trust, and accept it. That is where the media plays a crucial role,” Dr Sodzi stressed.
He commended the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the EPI, the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN), and media partners for their collaboration in promoting accurate and responsible health reporting.
Dr Sodzi noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep global inequalities in vaccine access, underscoring the need for African countries to take charge of their vaccine production. This, he explained, led to the establishment of the National Vaccine Institute under Act 1097 of 2023 to coordinate vaccine research, development, and manufacturing in Ghana.
“The NVI’s vision is to build a self-sufficient, resilient, and innovative vaccine ecosystem in Ghana,” he said, adding that the Institute’s work is guided by integrity, innovation, collaboration, accountability, professionalism, and impact.
Progress Toward Vaccine Independence
Dr Sodzi outlined key milestones achieved under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama as part of the government’s “reset agenda” to strengthen pandemic preparedness and health security.
Among the progress highlighted were:
- Technology Transfer Partnership: A collaboration between Ghana’s Atlantic Lifesciences Ltd. and Indonesia’s PT Bio Farma to accelerate local production of the Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccine by 2026. The partnership also aims to enhance Ghana’s research and technical manufacturing capacity.
- Government’s $50 Million Commitment: In August 2025, the government pledged an additional $50 million in seed funding to the NVI and began developing an Advance Market Commitment (AMC) framework. This will prioritise government procurement of locally produced vaccines and sera, ensuring sustainability for local manufacturers.
- Development of a Legislative Instrument: Work is ongoing to finalise the Legislative Instrument (LI) for Act 1097, which will establish the legal framework for the Institute’s operations and long-term financing.
Media as a Strategic Partner in Health Security
Dr Sodzi stressed that scientific progress must be matched by effective communication, noting that misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic spread faster than the virus itself.
“Accurate and responsible reporting is a matter of national health security,” he said. “Health communication is not a one-time effort; it is a continuous collaboration between scientists, health professionals, and the media.”
He urged journalists to embrace evidence-based reporting, fact-checking, and contextual storytelling to dispel myths and boost public confidence in vaccines and health interventions.
“The story of vaccine development in Ghana is not only about science. It is also about national pride, resilience, and innovation,” he added.
Dr Sodzi reaffirmed the NVI’s commitment to working with the Ghana Health Service, EPI, regulatory agencies, universities, and the media to build a transparent, trusted, and self-reliant vaccine ecosystem.
He concluded by assuring the public that the NVI, in collaboration with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and vaccine manufacturers, will uphold the highest standards of safety and quality in all production processes.
“The NVI believes that accurate, ethical, and well-informed journalism is a cornerstone of public health. Together, we can build a future where health information empowers, vaccines protect, and every citizen has the opportunity to live a healthy, dignified life,” Dr Sodzi said.
Source: Ivy Setordjie
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