6 Ways UNICEF is supporting Immunisation in Ghana
Celebrating 50 years of saving lives: UNICEF's role in Ghana's immunisation success
This World Immunisation Week marks a significant milestone – 50 years of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). This global effort has saved countless lives from vaccine-preventable diseases. UNICEF plays a central role, ensuring vital vaccines reach countries like Ghana.
Immunisation remains one of the most effective tools to safeguard children's health and future well-being.
In Ghana, the EPI has made significant strides in reducing infant mortality and ensuring no child is left behind when it comes to immunisation.
Here's a closer look at six keyways UNICEF, with the leadership of the Government of Ghana and support of its partners, has contributed to Ghana's immunisation achievements:
1. Procurement: Delivering Essential Vaccines
UNICEF is the world's largest single vaccine buyer, annually procuring over 2 billion doses for routine immunization and outbreak response in nearly 100 countries. This expertise extends to Ghana. UNICEF's Supply Division maintains a comprehensive Supply Catalogue, listing over 2,000 essential commodities catering to children and families. Through its Procurement Services, UNICEF assists Ghanaian partners in acquiring these vital supplies.
A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines the terms and conditions for these services. Once established, UNICEF procures the needed commodities and delivers them to the Ministry of Health at Kotoka International Airport, Ghana. The Ghana Health Service then manages customs clearance, storage, and distribution to various health centers throughout the country.
2. Forecasting: Ensuring Timely Supplies
UNICEF collaborates with the Ministry of Health in forecasting annual vaccine and health supply needs. We provide technical advice, cost estimates, and manage the procurement process, ensuring timely delivery of essential commodities to Ghana.
3. Strengthening the Cold Chain: Safeguarding Vaccine Potency
UNICEF, through its partners and the Ministry of Health's Cold Chain Equipment Optimisation Platform (CCEOP), strengthens vaccine supply chains. We support the maintenance and improvement of the cold chain system by providing refrigerators, freezers, and refurbishing existing cold rooms nationwide. This ensures vaccines reach health facilities at optimal temperatures, maintaining their potency and effectiveness.
4. Efficient Logistics: Reaching Every Child
UNICEF provides logistical support for outreach programs, including specialized vaccine carriers, data collection tools, and reporting mechanisms. We also advocate for and secure donor funding to ensure the sustainability of Ghana's immunisation programmes. This comprehensive support guarantees a reliable supply of vaccines and the continuation of these critical initiatives.
5. Building Capacity: Empowering Health Workers
UNICEF works together with the Ghana Health Service to train healthcare workers on proper vaccination procedures, data management, and record-keeping. These ongoing training programs enhance healthcare workers' capacity to effectively manage vaccines. Regular training ensures healthcare professionals remain up-to-date on the latest practices and best practices in vaccine management and delivery.
6. Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy: Building Trust and Confidence
UNICEF recognizes the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy. We provide technical support to the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Information, and the media to counter misinformation and disinformation related to COVID-19 and other immunisation campaigns.
UNICEF Ghana supported the establishment of a National Misinformation Taskforce to monitor conversations that may influence vaccine uptake and develop strategies to address rumours.
We partnered with Civil Society Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations to conduct community engagement activities promoting vaccination among caregivers and addressing their concerns.
These efforts aim to build trust and confidence in vaccines, ensuring parents and caregivers make informed decisions to protect their children's health.
Thanks to a strong partnership with the government, healthcare workers, partners, donors and civil society organisations, Ghana has made significant strides in increasing immunisation coverage.
For every child, a collaborative partnership!
