By: Modupe Adeniyi. Freelance Health Reporter
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2024. The recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Ghana has raised concerns among health authorities who attribute this rise to the failure of many Ghanaians to complete the full vaccination course. According to Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, the Minister Designate for Health, the prescribed vaccination regimen includes two initial doses and a booster shot as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
In a media briefing during his working visit to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Okoe-Boye emphasized the importance of the COVID-19 vaccination in preventing severe illness and death. He stated, "The COVID-19 vaccination helps to ensure that the virus does not cause severe illness or death, but the fact that most Ghanaians have only had one dose could have contributed to the rise."
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has reported 18 new active COVID-19 cases with the possibility of further infections. As of December 2023, a total of 28,515,854 people had been vaccinated in Ghana, with 14,867,012 receiving at least one dose, 11,782,609 fully vaccinated and 6,691,825 receiving their booster shot.
Dr. Okoe-Boye emphasized the ongoing threat of COVID-19, warning that the virus has not been eradicated and continues to endanger lives. He urged Ghanaians who have not yet completed their vaccinations to do so promptly to limit the number of cases.
"COVID-19 has not been eradicated and continues to spread, endangering people's lives," Dr. Okoe-Boye cautioned. "I advise Ghanaians to complete their vaccinations in order to limit the number of cases."
In response to the surge, the GHS plans to launch a vaccination drive from May to August to ensure that more people are vaccinated. The public has also been advised to continue practicing COVID-19 safety protocols, such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and practicing good hand hygiene, to help prevent further spread of the virus.
As the COVID-19 situation in Ghana remains dynamic, health authorities stress the importance of vigilance and collective efforts to mitigate the impact of the virus on public health and the nation's economic recovery.
Source: Ghana News Agency.
Related: COVID-19 pandemic, advice for staying safe for the African public.
Published: May 1, 2024
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