Queens in Volta Region of Ghana Advocate for Timely Release of Vaccine Funds

By: Modupe Adeniyi. Freelance Health Reporter

A partial map of West Africa showing Ghana and the Volta Region of Ghana  Click on image to enlarge.

Lagos. February19. 2024. Queens in Ghana's Volta region are appealing to the government to ensure the timely release of funds for vaccine co-payments to prevent shortages that could put infants' lives at risk. 

The advocacy call came during a recent workshop organized by Hope for Future Generations (HFFG), a non-governmental organization focused on health and youth development. The event took place in Ho and equipped queens with resources to champion immunization advocacy.

Mama Dzitri II of Wli Agboviode in the Hohoe municipality voiced the urgent request for early funding on behalf of her fellow queens. "We are really appealing to the government that the children are the leaders of the future, so they should help us ensure preventable diseases are eradicated," she implored. 

According to the queens, delayed release of funds has led to vaccine shortages in the past, putting infants in danger and timely financing is essential to ensure adequate stocks and prevent disruptions in immunization services.

HFFG's executive director Cecilia Senoo said the engagement prepared ambassadors to amplify the need for timely government co-financing of vaccine purchases. She called on authorities to prioritize immunization funding and expedite the release process.

The workshop was part of HFFG's five-year "Financing Immunization Advocacy Response" project. This will support beneficiaries to increase vaccine coverage and combat myths surrounding vaccination that may deter uptake.

Senoo urged stakeholders to raise awareness about new vaccine introductions like the malaria vaccine. Educating caregivers will help Ghana Health Service achieve desired coverage levels when these immunizations are rolled out. 

She also called on the government to facilitate HPV vaccine provision to protect young females from Cervical cancer. "We implore the government to facilitate the provision of the HPV vaccines to protect young females" Senoo said.

The queens say they are committed to advocating for sufficient and timely vaccine funding to secure the health of infants in their communities. Their message urges authorities to prioritize financing for immunization, which can prevent devastating diseases and save lives.

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Published: February 19, 2024

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