Let’s erase misconceptions and fears about Covid-19 vaccines- Dr. Debpuur to Journalists

Deputy Director of Research at Research and Development Division of Ghana Health Service Dr. Cornelius Debpuur has urged media practitioners to scale up reportage to erase misconceptions and fears about Covid-19 vaccines in Ghana.

Ghana is currently undergoing vaccination coupled with other measures being rolled out by government to contain, combat and prevent the spread of infectious Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Dr. Cornelius Debpuur, research conducted by the Research and Development Division of Ghana Health Service revealed that effects of Covid-19 on service utilisation varied across regions and the type of service in Ghana.

Apart from that, some services within the health sector were affected more than others whilst some regions suffered more than others.

Despite initial disruptions, Ghana was able to maintain essential service delivery during Covid-19 pandemic.

But, some communities unmet service needs for health services, fear of Covid-19 infection affected utilisation of health services but the situation is improving.

Aside this, the reserch also shows that the introduction of vaccines is a major steps in the fight against Covid-19.

Speaking at Stakeholders engagement on improving essential service during and post Covid-19 pandemic, sponsored by UNDP in Accra on Thursday 4 November 2021, Dr. Cornelius Debpuur said “There is urgent need for community engagement and public to overcome fears and misconceptions around Covid-19 vaccines. The media has a role to play in writing off the vaccine fears and misconceptions”.

Contributing to the debate, Director of Health Promotion at Ghana Health Service Dr. Aboagye Dacosta who spoke on behalf of Director General of Ghana Health Service Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye said “We all have a stake in the exercise to help address the issue of Covid-19 intended to meet the head immunity. The media is a key stakeholder in the Covid-19 fight. We now have the vaccines so we need people to take them”.

“Creating awareness to make sure Ghanaians are vaccinated in line with the targets we have set for ourselves is crucial. “, Dr. Dacosta noted.

Meanwhile, Coordinator- of Risk Communications at Health Promotion Division of the Health Service Joel Abekuliya wants the media to scale up feature writing and spotlight on health issues and professionals who have distinguished themselves in their fields whilst intensifying education the public on the need to guard against other diseases apart from the collective battle against Covid-19.

Source: africaneditors.com

Below are excusive pictures from the stakeholders engagement: