Yellow fever vaccination in Wa West District has hit 92%, with the Ghana Health Service Director-General Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, declaring that the vaccine is free, dry, very safe and internationally approved.
So far, only one mild headache has been recorded as a side effect out of 225,446 people vaccinated.
Speaking at Siriyiri in Wa West District as part of a region-wide campaign targeting persons aged 9 months to 60 years, Dr. Samuel Kaba said 79,238 males and 92,768 females have been vaccinated, expressing worry that men are not coming out.
“Only one person had a little headache because of fear out of over 225,446. The yellow fever vaccine is free, dry, and very safe. No one should die because a vaccine is available,” he said.
To achieve 100% yellow fever coverage, he announced house-to-house mop-up under Free Primary Health Care, collaboration with Veterinary Services to vaccinate nomadic Fulani herdsmen moving with cattle, and a call to report sick persons from neighbouring countries.
To support the yellow fever mop-up, he has deployed 100 motorbikes to Upper West Region – 15 have arrived; the rest will arrive later and will be assembled in Wa by local mechanics with maintenance training – warning he will withdraw them if not maintained.
Regional Director Dr. Josephat A. Nyuzaghl said the fleet will prioritise yellow fever-affected districts.
Assembly Member for Siriyiri Electoral Area, Osman Adams, on behalf of the Chief of Siriyiri, said only 2 nurses serve 2,360 people across 5 communities.
Moved by the situation, the health services Director General ordered the Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Joshephat Nyuzagl to release 5 motorbikes for Siriyiri before he lands in Accra in the next few hours.
Dr. Samuel Kaba called health workers the heroes behind 225,446 vaccinations and said the president’s incentive promise in Daffiama stands.
“If we don’t cover 100% yellow fever vaccination, I cannot go to sleep,” he stressed.