In recent years, negative press and misinformation surrounding vaccines have undermined public confidence, slowed uptake, and left many people vulnerable to preventable diseases. With Ghana preparing to introduce the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its routine immunization programme in October 2025, health authorities are focusing on accurate and responsible reporting to ensure that every eligible girl has access to this life-saving vaccine.
To support this effort, the World Health Organization (WHO) Ghana, in partnership with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), organised a media sensitisation session for journalists from across the country. The session highlighted the vital role of the media in shaping public perception, countering misinformation, and promoting vaccine acceptance.
WHO Representative to Ghana, Dr. Fiona Braka, emphasised that journalists are indispensable partners in public health. She noted that the media’s voice can build trust, correct misconceptions, and empower families to protect their daughters, adding that the HPV vaccine presents a crucial opportunity to prevent cervical cancer.
Dr. Selorm Kutsoati, EPI Manager at the Ghana Health Service, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the media’s reach and influence will be key to the success of the upcoming vaccine rollout. He stressed the importance of helping parents understand why the vaccine matters to secure a healthier future for Ghanaian girls.
The sensitisation session also allowed journalists to reflect on how the training would shape their reporting. Afia Amakwah of Adom TV said the session equipped her with the facts needed to counter misinformation and provide accurate coverage, while Joshua Mensah of GHOne TV highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration, noting that health communication extends beyond the newsroom and into the community.
The meeting underscored that the success of Ghana’s HPV vaccine rollout will rely not only on health workers but also on the media’s ability to amplify accurate information, combat misinformation, and encourage vaccine uptake nationwide.
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