Approximately 700,000 children in Ghana are expected to be susceptible to measles and rubella in 2023, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
For the past five years, Ghana’s coverage for the first dose of the measles-containing vaccine has remained below 95%.
Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, the Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services, made these remarks as part of the rationale for the Integrated Measles-Rubella Vaccination and Vitamin A Supplementation Campaign being implemented nationwide.
During the media launch of the campaign in Kumasi, Dr. Adomako-Boateng emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to reduce morbidity and mortality through vaccination.
The five-day campaign aims to boost population immunity against measles and rubella to 95% by vaccinating 903,973 children across all 43 districts in the region. The theme of the campaign is “Measles and Rubella Kill, Vaccinate Your Child for Good Life.”
Vaccination teams will be visiting schools, homes, and public spaces to immunize children aged nine months to 59 months (about five years) from October 2 to 6. Parents can also take their children to vaccination posts set up in communities, health centers, and hospitals.
Dr. Adomako-Boateng further noted that the WHO/CDC Measles Risk Assessment Tool identified 50 districts as high-risk for measles outbreaks.
He pointed out that the accumulation of susceptible children contributes to a vulnerable population at risk of measles and its severe consequences. As the number of unvaccinated children increases, the likelihood of outbreaks also rises.
He provided a breakdown of confirmed measles cases in the region over the past six years: 2018 (9 cases), 2019 (2 cases), 2020 (1 case), 2021 (4 cases), 2022 (24 cases), and 2023 (79 cases).
Dr. Adomako-Boateng urged parents and guardians not to miss the opportunity to vaccinate their children within the recommended age range during the campaign period to protect them from these diseases.
“As we stated, measles and rubella kill; the complications can be devastating, and you never know who might be at risk,” he cautioned.
