Ghana reaches 90% coverage of vaccination for three diseases

The 2016 Immunization Data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that Ghana has reached the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) target of 90% coverage for the third dose of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (DTP3).

The Plan is a measure commonly used to evaluate the strength of routine immunisation programmes.

GVAP was endorsed by Ghana along with all WHO member states in 2012 to prevent millions of deaths by 2020 through more equitable access to vaccines.

Earlier this year, at the 28th African Union Summit, heads of state from across Africa reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the GVAP goals by endorsing the Addis Declaration on Immunization (ADI).

The ADI outlines 10 commitments to increase vaccine-related funding, strengthen vaccine supply chains and delivery systems, and make universal access to immunisation a cornerstone of health and development efforts.

DTP3 coverage has increased in Ghana from 88% in 2015 to 93% in 2016.