Ark Development Organization (ADO), in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service and partners, is spearheading an initiative in the Greater Accra Region to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, build herd immunity and enhance community wellness.
Supported by Global Communities Ghana, a refresher capacity building workshops on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and Wellness clinic services are ongoing in Ada West, Ada East, Shai Osudoku, Ashaiman, Ga West, Ga East, Ga North, Ga Central, and Ga South MMDAs in the Greater Accra Region.
The workshops, held across nine Municipalities in the Greater Accra Region, focused on equipping Community Based Health Volunteers (CBHV), COVID Ambassadors, community opinion leaders and leaders of marginalized groups with essential tools to promote understanding and participation in vaccine hesitancy aimed at boosting immunity against potential future viral pandemics.
Under the COVAX sensitization project, the comprehensive approach includes engaging not only health volunteers but also community leaders crucial in influencing opinions and fostering trust (the Co-creation Methodology) .
The emphasis on behavioral change communication signifies a strategic effort to overcome vaccine hesitancy and achieve herd immunity in the communities.
Emmanuel Kwarfo Mintah, the Project Director of Ark Development Organization, emphasized the importance of community involvement in the fight against COVID-19.
He said the initiative aligns with national and global efforts to enhance vaccination rates, highlighting the significance of collaborative endeavors in addressing pandemic challenges.
He expressed gratitude for the support from Global Communities Ghana, and the GHS Directors of these nine (9) MMDAs for their vital role in this collaboration.
Previous research by Dr. John Amuasi and others in 2022 indicated significant vaccine reluctance in Ghana, stating the need for coordinated public education campaigns to attain herd immunity thresholds.
As the training concludes ahead of roll out of the vaccination, the focus shifts to implementing learned strategies, with hopes of positively impacting herd immunity rates in the Greater Accra Region.
Additionally, Ark Development Organization is conducting wellness clinics, providing health screenings in beneficiary communities as part of the project strategies.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
