Despite Ghana’s strong record in immunisation, vaccine hesitancy, driven by misinformation, cultural beliefs, and mistrust, continues to threaten decades of public health progress.

To address this challenge, the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), in collaboration with the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN) and other health partners, has organised a national webinar aimed at strengthening vaccine communication and enhancing media capacity.

The initiative seeks to equip journalists with the knowledge and tools to effectively report on vaccines, counter misinformation, and build public trust in immunisation campaigns.

Speaking during the webinar, Executive Secretary of AMMREN, Dr Charity Binka, underscored the critical role of the media in sustaining vaccine confidence and safeguarding national health security.

“Vaccines remain one of the most effective public health interventions in human history. Yet, their power can only be realised when people trust and accept them,” she said. “Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy continue to threaten progress, and that’s why strengthening communication and building media capacity are crucial.”

Dr Binka cited recent resistance to the HPV vaccination campaign in Ghana as evidence of the urgent need for accurate and empathetic communication. She described journalists as trusted voices with the ability to translate complex scientific information into relatable human stories.

“The media must be the champions of vaccine confidence, seek out facts, challenge misinformation, and tell stories that move hearts and minds,” she urged.

Over the years, AMMREN has partnered with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), World Health Organisation (WHO) Ghana, and other stakeholders to train journalists in vaccine reporting. These collaborations have led to the creation of a National Vaccine Media Network—a platform for information sharing and collaboration among health journalists across the country.

Beyond communication, Dr Binka also stressed the need to build Ghana’s vaccine production capacity to reduce dependence on external supply chains, a weakness exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Local vaccine production is not just a health issue; it’s a matter of survival, sovereignty, and resilience,” she noted. “It will ensure timely access, create jobs, and position Ghana as a leader in health innovation in West Africa.”

The webinar forms part of a broader national effort by the NVI to deepen understanding of vaccines, promote informed public discourse, and empower journalists to report responsibly on vaccine-related issues.

As Ghana works to safeguard public health through vaccination, the call is clear—the media must stand at the forefront of building trust, fighting misinformation, and amplifying the life-saving power of vaccines.