Thousands of children in Volta Region miss critical vaccinations, health officials raise alarm
Health officials in the Volta are alarmed about the significant number of children who missed critical vaccinations in the first half of the year. Figures from the Volta Regional Health Directorate indicate that 7,865 children did not receive the Penta 3 vaccine, while 9,459 children missed the Measles/Rubella 2 vaccination in the first half of the year.
At a stakeholders’ engagement, the Deputy Regional Director of Health in charge of Public Health Dr. Senanu Dzokoto, announced that a national mass vaccination campaign is scheduled to take place from October 2nd to 6th, 2024, and urged stakeholders, including parents, community leaders, and healthcare providers to scale up efforts to ensure that every child in the region is vaccinated.
According to the Volta Regional Health Directorate the figures have alarmed health authorities, as these vaccines are crucial in protecting children against life-threatening diseases.
The Penta 3 vaccine safeguards children against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B, while the Measles/Rubella 2 vaccine is vital in preventing measles and rubella infections, which can have severe consequences if left unchecked.
The Deputy Regional Director of Health in charge of Public Health, Dr. Senanu Dzokoto, expressed deep concern over the situation and noted that the low vaccination coverage has contributed to a rise in vaccine-preventable diseases in the region.
source: GBC news
