Ghana medical association and GRNMA alarmed by new COVID spikes and vaccine hesitancy

The Ghana Registered Nurse and Midwives Association (GRNMA) and the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) are concerned about the spike in coronavirus cases around the nation as well as the unwillingness of the people to take the vaccine. 

According to the association’s projection, about 80,000 health workers (40%) out of the 200,000 in the government sector haven’t taken the second jab while fewer than 1% have got a booster shot. 

The revelation is coming on the heels of rising infections including among health workers. As of the 20th of June 2022, the number of active cases in the country has swelled to 1,255. 

“This trend is disturbing particularly among health staff. Health staff, especially midwives, nurses, and doctors are at the forefront of care and should be the most trusted source of vaccine and information,” said GMA’s president Dr. Frank Serebour. 

He made this statement while speaking at a multiparty news session to tackle vaccine hesitancy among the public and healthcare staff in other to boost the nation’s coronavirus vaccination rate. 

This conference marks the beginning of cascading activities outlined by the two associations to increase capacity in public engagement and communication threat to stop the spread of false information, vaccine misconception, and myths around the coronavirus vaccine in the nation. 

The target of the project is to change 2,000 healthcare workers into vaccination champs so they can scale up vaccine uptake among health experts. 

The title of the campaign is ‘Good Life, Live it Well” which was sponsored by USAID with the objective of encouraging a positive wellness attitude to lower disease spread among the general public. 

According to a recent document, individuals below 25 years in the country are leading the tally when it comes to vaccine hesitancy. 

“GHS statistics show there are fewer than 25% of people that qualify for coronavirus vaccine in 35 of the country’s 260 districts,” said Dr. Serebour. 

He further emphasized how important it was for the public to continue sticking to coronavirus prevention guidelines as new infection wave sweeps through the nation. 

“We appeal to the government and the concerned stakeholders, particularly religious and traditional rulers, the media, and youth groups to take up the vaccine, especially in districts with a low vaccination rate among the under 25-year-olds. 

“All hands must be on deck to assist the government to reach the goal of getting a minimum of 22.9 million qualified citizens vaccinated to stop the spread of the new COVID-19 and deter the serious illness it brings,” he explained.

GRNMA president, Mrs. Perpetua Ofori-Ampofo enjoined the public to put on facemasks all the time, particularly in indoor spaces, and begging managers of such places to ensure compliance. 

“Washing your hands with soap under flowing water and using sanitizers is still crucial and the private sector and government should sustain the distribution of these facilities to the public at strategic locations,” she said.

Dr. DaCosta Aboagye who is GHS’ Director of Health Promotion said coronavirus jabs were safe and potent in preventing serious sickness if you contract it. 

He further mentioned that GHS was working to improve coronavirus jabs discussion to boost acceptance and enhance the messaging of public health systems to solve the problem of apprehension. 

To date, 16,639,049 coronavirus vaccine shots have been given out in the country. However, only 7.1 million are fully vaccinated whole 10.4 million have gotten at least one jab. About a million have taken booster shots.