The Ahafo Regional Health Directorate (RHD) says they are doubling efforts at reducing the spread of the Covid-19 virus, especially during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

The Regional Health Director, Dr Kwabena Boateng Boakye, said, in addition to observing the covid safety protocols, 231,334 doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been distributed to all 6 districts, and are available at all health care centres in the region. This is to ensure that more people get vaccinated.

Speaking at a press briefing at Hwidiem in the Asutifi South District, aimed at updating the public on the management of the Covid-19 outbreak in the region, Dr. Boakye said the RHD has a target to vaccinate a total of 395,168 persons, all above the age of 15 years, with AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines.

He, however, explained that as of December 20, 2021, a total of 113,961 persons (28.8%) have at least received one dose of the vaccine, while 52,285 persons representing 13.2% of the target population have been fully vaccinated.

He further stated that since the region recorded its first case in June 2020, they have a total of 1,061 confirmed cases, but while 1,029 (97%) recovered, 32 (3%), unfortunately, died from the Covid-19.

Dr. Boakye, also stated that the region has had no active case of Covid-19 since the beginning of December 2021.

He noted that the vaccination that was added to the preventive measures, has become an essential tool in the fight against the pandemic, hence, the strategy to deploy the vaccines to the district health directorate, hospitals, health centres, clinics, CHPs compound, and other designated vaccination posts across the region to get more eligible people vaccinated.

The vaccine, Dr Boakye said, "would prevent severe illnesses, hospitalization, and death due to Covid-19." He assured that all the vaccines available are safe, effective, and free.

He observed that though all efforts at reducing the spread of Covid-19 and its impact on the lives of the people are yielding results, "it is time for the people of Ahafo Region, and for that matter, all Ghanaians, to do their part by observing all the prevention measures, including getting vaccinated."

"The Ahafo RHD will continue to play its role in the Covid-19 pandemic management by strengthening surveillance measures, contact tracing, case management, risk communication, and social mobilization in all districts of the region, to ensure that all citizens are safe and secure from Covid-19 especially during this festive season," Dr Boakye said.

Although some residents at the central business area at Hwidiem were seen without a face mask, Dr Boakye noted that the enforcement aspect goes beyond the mandate of the GHS.

"During the festivities, the Regional Coordinating Council, District Assemblies, and the security agencies are enjoined to enforce the presidential directives on the covid-19 safety measures so that collectively we can reduce the spread," he said.

On the role of the media in the fight against the pandemic, Dr Boakye said "it is critical and cannot be overemphasized."

He called for the continues support of the Ahafo RHD of the GHS to promote positive behaviours that will stop the spread of Covid-19.

He also appealed to the media to use the "available mediums to encourage vaccine uptake and dispel rumours and misinformation on the covid-19 vaccination".