Church aids Ghana Health Service in vaccinating millions against measles

Ghana Health Services (GHS) has launched a four-day nationwide vaccination campaign with support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This initiative, which began on October 1, 2024, aims to vaccinate approximately 5.2 million children against measles and rubella and provide Vitamin A supplements to those aged between 9 and 59 months.

The campaign comes in response to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected routine immunization schedules and increased the risk of outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles and rubella. GHS has partnered with organizations such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the CDC to address this issue.

Dr. Patrick Kama-Aboagye, Director General of GHS, emphasized the importance of informing families about the vaccinations: “Families must be informed and empowered to bring their children to vaccination sites.” To facilitate this, over 10,000 vaccination sites will be set up across Ghana.

The Church's donation focuses on communication activities to ensure widespread dissemination of information. Strategies include radio and TV programs, social media campaigns, leaflets, infographics, fact sheets in multiple languages spoken in Ghana.

Sister Marian Esiape from The Church highlighted their motivation for involvement: “During his earthly ministry, Jesus Christ showed unwavering love for children... Following His example... we reach communities around the world offering healing.”

The project was officially launched after remarks at a ceremony where nurses demonstrated vaccinations on-site.