Press briefing on the shortage of several routine childhood immunizations throughout the nation and the outbreak of measles in the northern region from the Ministry of Health
1. Ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you for giving me this wonderful chance to address you with the country's scarcity of some kid vaccines, current issues, and the measles epidemic in the Northern Area.
2. The lack of some kid vaccinations and its impact on the nation's vaccination program has caused the Ministry of Health grave worry. For the Ministry, Partners, carers, and people, this is a serious cause of concern.
3. We are aware of how shortages might affect things like illness outbreaks and child survival.
4. With high coverage levels of over 95%, the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) has been a leading disease control initiative in the nation and perhaps one of the finest in the sub-region. We have a system in place for anticipating, purchasing, supplying, distributing, and keeping track of the usage of regular immunizations.
5. Ladies and gentlemen, it is true that since the fourth quarter of 2022, there have been some vaccination shortages throughout the nation. BCG, Measles-Rubella (MR), and oral polio vaccine are the vaccinations that are in low supply (OPV). There is a countrywide scarcity.
6. The recent lack of measles vaccines, while sad, is indicative of the gradual drop in measles vaccination rates worldwide since the start of COVID-19.
7. Let me quote from a recent WHO article on the issue, which puts the difficulty we face into perspective:
8. Notwithstanding this widespread issue, the Ghanaian Ministry of Health has been working to guarantee that we get appropriate vaccination stockpiles.
9. Notwithstanding these difficulties, we have taken all necessary steps to guarantee that we get sufficient goods over the upcoming weeks.
10. It's critical to dispel the false notion that there have lately been measles deaths in Ghana. For the avoidance of doubt, the current increase in measles infections has not resulted in any fatalities. Although we have yearly reported cases, there haven't been any deaths since 2003.
11. Despite this difficulty, Ghana's vaccination coverage record is still among the finest in the world. We noted 95% coverage in 2021.
12. We are expediting the procedures in collaboration with UNICEF, and it is anticipated that the vaccinations will be provided in the coming weeks. assuming parity in all aspects.
13. The Ministry of Health will see to it that we maintain our vaccination history and swiftly get beyond these snags.
14. Respected members of the press, I appreciate you giving me your time.
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