By Maxwell Awumah, GNA
Ho (V/R), May 26, GNA-A national vaccine perception survey conducted by the National Vaccine Institute (NVI) has revealed high levels of public confidence in vaccines across Ghana, with many citizens expressing readiness to accept locally manufactured vaccines when production begins in 2027.
The findings showed that about 89.7 per cent of respondents expressed confidence in vaccines, while 94.2 per cent indicated a collective responsibility to ensure vaccine availability in the country.
The survey also revealed that 71.3 per cent of respondents were willing to accept and use vaccines manufactured in Ghana.
According to a release signed by Dr Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute, “These findings indicate that more than seven out of every 10 respondents are ready to embrace Made-in-Ghana vaccines once they become available.”
The study further showed high levels of trust in healthcare professionals and national regulatory institutions. About 87.8 per cent of respondents said they trusted doctors and nurses who administer vaccines, while many also expressed confidences in the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
According to the release, the strong institutional trust provides a solid foundation for Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing agenda and positions healthcare workers as key advocates in building public confidence in locally produced vaccines.
Despite the positive perception of vaccines, the survey revealed low public awareness regarding Ghana’s local vaccine manufacturing plans.
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 highlighted the urgent need for intensified nationwide public education campaigns to raise awareness about Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing efforts, address misinformation and encourage public ownership of the initiative.
The survey also revealed regional variations in vaccine acceptance. Urbanised regions such as Greater Accra, Central and Ashanti recorded comparatively lower vaccine acceptance despite greater access to information, while rural communities in northern Ghana and regions such as Oti demonstrated stronger trust and acceptance of vaccines.
According to the release, the regional differences underscore the importance of targeted and context-specific communication strategies.
The survey findings are considered significant as public perception remains a key factor influencing vaccine uptake.
The research is expected to provide government and health partners with baseline data to support targeted behaviour-change interventions, messaging strategies, and efforts to address misinformation.
The survey comes at a time when Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector is transitioning toward vaccine self-sufficiency, with locally manufactured vaccines expected to be introduced in 2027.
The initiative also aligns with the African Union’s Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM), which aims to ensure that at least 60 per cent of vaccines used in Africa are produced locally by 2040.
Dr Sodzi-Tettey said the findings sent a strong and encouraging message that Ghanaians believed in vaccines and were prepared to support the country’s journey toward vaccine self-sufficiency.
He noted that although awareness of the local manufacturing agenda remained low, the high levels of trust in healthcare professionals, regulatory institutions, and the national health system provided a strong foundation for success.
He added that the planned production of locally manufactured vaccines represented not only a major step toward health security, but also national pride, scientific advancement, economic resilience and Africa’s determination to take control of its health future.
GNA
Edited By: Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Maxwell Awumah