The Ghana Health Service (GHS) is reporting high vaccine hesitancy among private basic schools compared to public schools in the Western Region.
This observation, shared by the Western Region Coordinator for the Expanded Immunization Program of the GHS, Nicholas Asare Adomako, presents a major hurdle to the HPV vaccination campaign.
Speaking exclusively to Media General’s Takoradi-based radio station, Connect 97.1 FM, during its midday news bulletin, Orokodo Kasaebo, on October 10, Mr. Asare Adomako explained that a sizeable number of the target population in private schools are yet to be vaccinated.
This is primarily because parents have not given their consent for the vaccination, leading to heads of schools refusing to release eligible girls to receive the vaccine.
Regarding the progress of the HPV vaccination campaign, Mr. Asare Adomako noted that the initial phase focused on schools, and the next phase will target communities. Despite the challenges, the campaign has reached 75,820 girls, representing 51.1% of the target set for the exercise.
He added, “We could have done more than that, but some parents are objecting to vaccinating their girls, especially in private schools. We are still engaging with the Parents Association to obtain their consent for the vaccination. Hopefully, by Monday, we will secure the release of their girl children for the vaccine.”
The GHS continues to emphasize the importance of HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer and is intensifying efforts to overcome hesitancy and increase vaccine uptake, especially among private basic schools in the region.
Source:Lovinghananews.com
