By Emmanuel Nyatsikor
Ho, July 16, GNA – Mr. Samuel Yao Atidzah, Executive Director of GOSANET Foundation, a health-focused NGO in the Volta Region, has emphasized the vital role of religious leaders in advancing health advocacy.
Speaking at separate engagements at the Ho Central Mosque and the Akoefe Kpodzi branch of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, Mr. Atidzah said, “Because of the respect they command, their involvement helps combat vaccine hesitancy and misinformation in communities.”
He highlighted the importance of both child immunization and adult vaccination, urging religious leaders to encourage their congregants to attend child welfare clinics and support national vaccination efforts.
Mr. Atidzah noted that the Foundation is currently implementing the GAVI-CDS Year 3 Project in 10 communities within the Ho Municipality. The project, part of a national initiative supported by GAVI through the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health, targets 100 districts and municipalities across the country.
In Ho, GOSANET is active in Sokode Gborgame, Goshon City (Ho), Hodzo Ve, Ho Fiave, Hodzoga, Ho Tsiyikpota, Akoefe, Taviefe Deme, Hofedo, and Sokode Lokoe.
He stressed that, with GAVI’s support, GOSANET would continue strengthening health systems and mobilizing communities to achieve equitable immunization coverage in underserved areas.
During the outreach, Mr. Atidzah educated congregants on routine immunization schedules and adult vaccines, including COVID-19, HPV, hepatitis B, and yellow fever.
Mr. Prosper Amegadzie, Ho Municipal Disease Control Officer, disclosed that his office trained 10 community-based volunteers and Community Information Centre operators to support GOSANET’s health education drive. These volunteers are conducting house-to-house visits, tracking immunization defaulters—including children of migrant populations—and raising awareness of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Madam Shine Gavey, Ho Municipal Health Promotion Officer, commended GOSAN Foundation for its impactful work.
“We commend GOSANET Foundation for its strong collaboration with the Ghana Health Service and its commitment to advancing public health through the GAVI-CDS 3 Initiative,” she said.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Audrey Dekalu