GHS Director-General Pushes for 100% Yellow Fever Vaccination Coverage in Upper West

The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has called on health officials and community leaders in the Upper West Region to intensify efforts to achieve 100 per cent yellow fever vaccination coverage following an outbreak in the area.

Dr Akoriyea made the appeal during a visit to Siriyiri in the Wa West District, where he assessed progress in the ongoing vaccination exercise. He urged residents who had not yet received the vaccine to take advantage of the campaign to protect themselves and their communities.

According to reports published on October 22 and 23, vaccination coverage in Wa West had reached 92 per cent at the time of the Director-General’s visit. Despite the progress, he stressed that the exercise could not be considered complete until all eligible residents had been reached.

“We intend to cover 100 per cent of the entire community. So far, we have been able to cover 92 per cent. It means we are not concluding,” Dr Akoriyea said.

The vaccination campaign targets eligible people aged nine months to 60 years in Wa West, Sissala East and Sissala West districts. The exercise was introduced to help contain the yellow fever outbreak and prevent further infections.

The Ministry of Health confirmed three yellow fever cases in the Upper West Region earlier in October, with all three resulting in deaths. The development prompted health authorities to intensify vaccination, disease surveillance and public education efforts.

Dr Akoriyea encouraged chiefs, queen mothers, youth groups and other community leaders to help mobilise residents and address fears surrounding vaccination. He also cautioned against misinformation that could discourage eligible people from receiving the vaccine.

As part of efforts to reach people who may have been missed during the initial exercise, health teams are undertaking house-to-house follow-ups. The GHS is also working with Veterinary Services to reach mobile populations, including nomadic herders who may not be easily accessible through fixed vaccination points.

The Director-General has also announced support to strengthen outreach activities, including the deployment of motorbikes to improve the movement of health workers in affected communities.

Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease, and vaccination remains a key way to prevent infection. Health authorities continue to encourage residents in the affected districts to cooperate with vaccination teams and follow official public health guidance.

Dr Akoriyea’s appeal reflects the GHS’s determination to close the remaining vaccination gap and reduce the risk of further infections. Achieving full coverage will require continued cooperation among health workers, traditional leaders and residents across the affected communities.

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