The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced a nationwide measles immunization campaign aimed at children between the ages of nine months and 59 months. The exercise is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, October 2, to Sunday, October 6, 2024.
This initiative seeks to protect children from measles and rubella, while also providing vital vitamin A supplementation to enhance their overall health.
At a press conference held in the Upper East Region, Dr. Samuel Boakye-Boateng, the Regional Director of Health Services, underscored the importance of the campaign. He noted that earlier this year, there were measles outbreaks in the region, particularly in the Bawku West and Garu districts, with a few cases reported in five other districts.
Dr. Boakye-Boateng explained that this immunization exercise is part of a national supplementary immunization activity, integrating the measles-rubella vaccine and vitamin A supplementation. “We recorded outbreaks nationwide, and in the Upper East region, two districts—Bawku West and Garu—had outbreaks, defined as three or more cases occurring within a short period. This prompted our investigation and response,” he stated.
The GHS is urging parents and caregivers to ensure that their children participate in this critical health initiative to protect them from these preventable diseases.
