NVI, Noguchi undertake free health screening, vaccine sensitization as part of Okyenhene’s 25th anniversary celebrations

The National Vaccine Institute (NVI) continues its efforts to reduce the rate of vaccine hesitancy in the country, with the latest move being a sensitization program at Kyebi in the Abuakwa South Municipality of the Eastern Region.

Riding on the Okyenhene's Medical Caravan, which is a feature of the 25th-anniversary celebration of the enstoolment of Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), in collaboration with the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), undertook a free health screening and vaccine education exercise in the community.

The event, which witnessed a mammoth turnout of residents from Kyebi and nearby communities, saw officials from the NVI, NMIMR, and Abuakwa South Health Directorate offering education to the residents on a variety of health-related issues and also relaying the refreshing news of the progress made by Ghana in its quest to become a vaccine production hub in Africa.

Professor William Kwabena Ampofo, the Chief Executive Officer of the NVI, enlightened the residents on the inroads made by the country in the vaccine production process and dispelled some ill-informed and stereotypical assertions about vaccines.

Professor Ampofo assured the residents that Ghana will uphold global standards and adhere to all protocols in the processes leading to the production of the vaccines.

In response to feedback from some residents that vaccination could lead to impotency, lack of childbirth, among other issues, Professor Ampofo forcefully rejected those claims, urging the residents and, by extension, Ghanaians not to heed such claims as they are without scientific and commonsensical bases.

Commending the Okyenhene for adding his voice to the campaign to reduce vaccine hesitancy, Professor Ampofo appealed to the traditional and religious authorities in the country to add their voices to the campaign as they wield significant influence over their members.

He assured the readiness of the NVI to collaborate with churches, community leaders, celebrities, and heads of educational institutions to pursue a campaign that will build public confidence and trust in the nation’s vaccine production process.

“When Osagyefo was installed as a King 25 years ago, he held health-screening exercises as part of his introduction to communities, and it has become part of his stewardship. I was very impressed with the feedback as they asked very important questions that allowed us to provide the needed answers that will help people understand the process.

“Our traditional leaders are leaders of the communities, and people listen to them very well and look up to them. When we started the COVID-19 vaccination, it was the president and the vice president who took the first shots in public, and the traditional leaders and religious leaders joined. So it is very important for our leaders to identify with these modern tools that make the health of our people better."



Comfort Yeboah Selby, the Deputy Director of Nursing Services for Abuakwa South Municipality, offered extensive education on the Dengue fever outbreak in Ghana and urged the residents to seek immediate healthcare when they spot any of the signs.

She also urged them to keep their environment clean and uphold the ‘next to godliness is cleanliness’ principle to ensure they don’t fall victim to the virus.

The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, who addressed the media after a visit to the event grounds, commended the health professionals who dedicated their time and resources for the success of the event.

Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin also promised to use his office and influence to educate his residents and Ghanaians on the need to have confidence in the potency of Ghana-made vaccines.

Among the health services which were offered for free were examinations for breast cancer, eye issues, audiology, hepatitis B, sickle cell, and HIV.