By: Deborah Amewoyi
The Community Vulnerable Children Organization (CVCO), in collaboration with the Central Tongu District Health Directorate, organized a community durbar in Mafi Kpoviadzi to raise awareness about the importance of routine childhood and adult vaccinations.
The event brought together local health professionals, community leaders, and residents under the theme “Protecting Every Child, Engaging Every Adult.”
The campaign aimed to increase vaccination uptake, improve service delivery, and promote the integration of COVID-19 vaccines into routine immunization efforts for long-term public health benefits.
Mr. Gustav Boni, Executive Director of CVCO, emphasized that education is key to vaccine acceptance. “A community that is well-informed about the importance of vaccines is one that will readily participate in vaccination programs,” he said.
He encouraged all residents to take part in campaigns organized by the Ghana Health Service to protect themselves and their families.
Mr. Boni also highlighted the role of the GAVI CDS Year 3 Project, which supports the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines and promotes the uptake of all routine immunizations.
He urged parents and guardians to ensure their children receive the full set of 12 vaccines currently administered under Ghana’s national immunization program, noting that these vaccines are essential for the wellbeing of children, pregnant women, and the general population.
Mr. Cyril Amedorme, Head of the Kpoviadzi Health Center, reiterated the importance of immunization in preventing life-threatening diseases among children.
“Vaccination has come to stay. It remains the most effective tool in our fight against childhood illnesses,” he said, calling on the community to make full use of the free vaccination services available.
As part of the program, Madam Vera Xoese Nyamata, the District’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and Disease Control Officer, educated attendees about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
She explained how HPV is transmitted, its link to cervical cancer, and how the HPV vaccine offers effective protection.
“Globally, a woman dies every two minutes from cervical cancer, a disease mostly caused by HPV through sexual and close contact,” she stated. “Ghana received its first consignment of the HPV vaccine last week. The initial rollout targets girls aged 9 to 14, which is a critical period before they become sexually active.”
Madam Nyamata also emphasized that HPV affects men as well, calling on parents to support the vaccination of all eligible children. She described the HPV vaccine as a major advancement in preventing one of the most deadly, yet preventable, forms of cancer.
Togbe Afutu Kwaku Addo V, Chief of Mafi Kpoviadzi, commended CVCO and the District Health Directorate for their tireless efforts in promoting public health.
He pledged the community’s full cooperation and encouraged all residents to embrace vaccination as a shared responsibility.
The durbar ended on a positive note, with community members expressing gratitude for the education and resources provided. Many pledged to support ongoing health initiatives and ensure their families remain up to date with recommended vaccinations.
