By Victoria Agyemang
Cape Coast, May 26, GNA-Urbanised regions such as Central Region and Ashanti Region have recorded comparatively lower vaccine acceptance despite higher access to information, a national vaccine perception survey conducted by the National Vaccine Institute (NIV) has revealed.
The survey findings highlighted regional disparities in vaccine acceptance, with rural communities in northern Ghana and regions such as Oti Region demonstrating stronger trust and acceptance of vaccines.
Researchers said the variations underscored the need for targeted and context-specific communication strategies to address misinformation and improve vaccine uptake in urban centres.
The nationwide survey, which covered all 16 regions and 55 districts, analysed 13,905 valid responses and is considered one of the most comprehensive assessments of public attitudes towards vaccines and locally manufactured health products in Ghana.
The study assessed public perceptions of vaccines, drivers of vaccine confidence, barriers to acceptance of locally manufactured vaccines, and misinformation trends affecting vaccine uptake.
Despite the regional disparities, the survey revealed strong public confidence in vaccines nationwide, challenging perceptions of widespread vaccine hesitancy in the country.
About 89.7 per cent of respondents expressed confidence in vaccines, while 94.2 per cent indicated a collective responsibility to ensure vaccine availability.
Additionally, 71.3 per cent of respondents said they were willing to accept and use vaccines manufactured in Ghana when local production begins in 2027.
The report said these findings suggested that more than seven out of every 10 respondents were ready to embrace Made-in-Ghana vaccines.
The survey further revealed high levels of trust in healthcare professionals and national regulatory institutions.
About 87.8 per cent of respondents expressed trust in doctors and nurses who administer vaccines, while many also indicated confidence in the Ghana Health Service and the Food and Drugs Authority.
According to the report, this institutional trust provides a strong foundation for Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing agenda and positions healthcare workers as key advocates in building confidence in locally produced vaccines.
However, the survey revealed critically low public awareness regarding Ghana’s local vaccine manufacturing agenda.
Only 14.3 per cent of respondents were aware that Ghana was building local vaccine manufacturing capacity ahead of the planned 2027 launch.
The findings therefore highlight the need for intensified nationwide public education campaigns to raise awareness, address misinformation and encourage public ownership of the initiative.
The study also identified barriers that could affect vaccine uptake, including the cost of vaccines, distance to vaccination centres and concerns about vaccine storage and transportation systems, particularly in rural communities.
Operational concerns regarding cold chain systems were also identified as potential factors that could undermine public confidence at the point of vaccine delivery.
Dr Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of the NVI, said Ghana already had a strong foundation of vaccine confidence but needed to bridge awareness and trust gaps surrounding locally manufactured vaccines.
He said targeted policy and communication strategies were required to address misinformation, cost barriers and regional disparities to encourage vaccine uptake.
Dr Sodzi-Tettey expressed gratitude to the GHS, FDA and the World Health Organization for their continued support to the institute.
The NVI plans to roll out a nationwide awareness and acceptance campaign involving government institutions, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, development partners, community leaders, the private sector and the media.
Ghana is expected to begin local vaccine production in 2027 as part of efforts to strengthen vaccine self-sufficiency, pharmaceutical innovation and national health security.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey /Kenneth Odeng Adade