A national vaccine perception survey conducted by the National Vaccine Institute has revealed strong public confidence in vaccines among Ghanaians, sharply challenging perception of widespread vaccine hesitancy in the country.
The survey findings showed that 89.7% of respondents expressed confidence in vaccines, while 94.2% indicated a collective responsibility to ensure vaccine availability nationwide.
Significantly, 71.3% of respondents said they would be willing to accept and use vaccines manufactured in Ghana.
Described as one of the most comprehensive national assessments Surveys on public attitudes toward vaccines and locally manufactured health products, was conducted across all 16 regions and 55 districts across Ghana.
A total of 13,905 valid responses were analyzed.
According to the findings, “more than seven out of every ten respondents are ready to embrace Made-in-Ghana vaccines once they become available.”
The study further revealed exceptionally high trust in healthcare professionals and national regulatory institutions. About 87.8% of respondents indicated trust in doctors and nurses who administer vaccines, while many also expressed confidence in the Ghana Health Service and the Food and Drugs Authority.
Researchers from National Vaccine Institute noted that this strong institutional trust provides a solid ground for Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing agenda and positions healthcare workers as key advocates in building public confidence in locally
produced vaccines.
The survey conducted at a crucial time as National Vaccine Institute Coordinates and facilitates Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector transitions toward vaccine self-sufficiency, with locally manufactured vaccines expected to be launched in 2027
The initiative is expected to strengthen Ghana’s health security, pharmaceutical innovation, industrial growth, and economic resilience.
It also aligns with the African Union’s Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing agenda, which seeks to ensure that at least 60% of Africa’s vaccines are produced locally by 2040.
Low Awareness on Ghana’s Vaccine Manufacturing Agenda
The survey indicated that only 14.3% of respondents were aware that Ghana is building local vaccine manufacturing capacity ahead of the planned 2027 launch.
This calls for an urgent need for nationwide public education campaigns to increase awareness, address misinformation, and encourage public ownership of the initiative.
Nonetheless survey showed that urbanised regions such as Greater Accra Region, Central Region, and Ashanti Region recorded comparatively lower vaccine acceptance despite greater access to information. In contrast, rural communities in northern Ghana and regions such as Oti Region demonstrated stronger trust and acceptance of vaccines.
The report said the regional differences emphasizes the importance of targeted and context-specific communication strategies.
National Pride in Ghana-Made Vaccines
The survey also revealed strong national pride and willingness among respondents to support locally manufactured vaccines.
Many participants indicated that seeing Ghanaian scientists and local factories involved in vaccine production would increase their confidence in and acceptance of Ghana-made vaccines.
However, the study identified potential barriers that could affect vaccine uptake, including the cost of vaccines, distance to vaccination centres, and concerns over vaccine storage and transportation systems.
Operational concerns, particularly regarding cold chain systems in rural areas, were also highlighted as factors that could undermine public confidence during vaccine delivery.
The NVI is therefore expected to work with stakeholders to strengthen cold chain infrastructure, improve storage and transportation systems, and ensure transparent handling protocols.
Nationwide Awareness Campaign Planned
As Ghana moves toward local vaccine production, the NVI plans to roll out a nationwide awareness and acceptance campaign aimed at educating the public, addressing misinformation, and promoting confidence in locally manufactured vaccines.
The campaign is expected to involve government institutions, development partners, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, community leaders, the private sector, and the media.
Chief Executive Officer of the NVI, Dr Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, said Ghana already has a strong foundation of vaccine confidence but must bridge the awareness gap surrounding locally manufactured vaccines.
“Ghana has a strong foundation of vaccine confidence, but success depends on bridging the awareness and trust gap for locally manufactured vaccines. What is needed now is targeted policy and communication strategies to address misinformation, cost barriers, and regional disparities in order to encourage uptake,” he stated.
He added that the NVI remains grateful to the Ghana Health Service, FDA, and the World Health Organization for their continuous support and technical guidance.
The NVI said the findings provide critical baseline data that will help government and health partners design targeted behaviour-change interventions, prepare messaging strategies, counter misinformation, and maximise public confidence in Ghana-made vaccines.
The report concluded that with sustained public education, strong stakeholder collaboration, transparent regulation, and national commitment, Ghana has the opportunity to become a leading example of vaccine confidence and local pharmaceutical innovation on the African continent.
Dr. Charity Binka, Executive Director of the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN) a non-governmental organization headquartered in Accra that unites journalists and scientists for health advocacy, has assured to continue support for NVI to enhance collaboration with Journalists across the country for successful realization of Ghana’s vaccine agenda.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
