A non-governmental organization called Hope for Future Generations (HFFG) has established an initiative called “Partnership for Accelerated COVID Testing (PACT 2.0)” to boost COVID-19 vaccination adoption through community participation.
The project’s purpose is to minimize COVID-19 vaccination apprehension and increase vaccine uptake in order to meet the national targets.
COVID-19 has killed over six million lives worldwide since its breakout in 2019, including over 1000 deaths in Ghana. The COVID-19 vaccine is a critical intervention in the fight against the pandemic, but fear, confusion, conspiracy theories, and safety concerns continue to stymie vaccination acceptance in Ghana and elsewhere.
Mrs. Cecilia Senoo, HFFG’s Executive Director, said the program was part of the organization’s efforts to increase vaccination uptake in the country.
She stated that the initiative will be conducted concurrently in the Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions for three months, from May to July 2022.
Mr.s Senoo stated that the program will provide vulnerable populations, such as those living with HIV, with timely and accurate information about Covid-19 vaccine acceptability to meet rising demand.
She said that it also aims to create and implement an effective communication plan to enhance public education and awareness.
There would also be mass media efforts, as well as the control of disinformation and misconceptions about uptake among vulnerable groups, including PLHIV and pregnant women in communities. “In social mobilization efforts promoting acceptance and immunization, PAC 2.0 will include health and municipal government, social welfare, Queen moms, and faith-based groups.” Mrs. Senoo Said.
District teams and Regional Technical Working Groups comprised of HFFG, NAP+ Ghana, YHAG, and the GRCS will oversee the project’s implementation at the community level.
Some field champions, speaking about their experiences at the launch, advocated for additional efforts to improve vaccination uptake, particularly among pregnant women, who still believe that the vaccine may harm their kids.
Mr. Kisses Johnson, the Lead, Risk Communication, and Emergency Response, Ghana Health Service (GHS), speaking on behalf of the Director-General, praised HFFG’s effort and stated that the GHS could not do it alone.
He discussed some of the methods the GHS has implemented so far to combat the epidemic and asked the champions to continue to educate the public about the vaccine’s advantages and safety.
Mr. Johnson promised the GHS’s continued assistance and praised the partners’ approach to increasing vaccination uptake.
With technical assistance from the Ghana Health Service and financing from UNAIDS, the initiative is a collaboration between the National Association of Persons Living with HIV (NAP+) Ghana, Young Health Advocates Ghana (YHAG), and the Ghana Red Cross Society (GRCS).
