The African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN) has called on journalists across Ghana to become active advocates for immunisation and child health, highlighting their crucial role in combating misinformation and building public confidence in vaccines.
The call was made during a special webinar jointly organised by AMMREN, the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to mark the 2025 African Vaccination Week and Child Health Promotion Week.
The webinar, held under the theme “Every Child Deserves a Healthy Future; Invest in Your Child. Attend Weighing Regularly,” brought together leading health experts, media practitioners, and civil society stakeholders. Discussions focused on the urgent need to strengthen vaccine advocacy, particularly amid the growing spread of misinformation.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Francis B. Zotor, Vice Board Chair of AMMREN, underscored the media’s unique power to influence public health outcomes.
“Vaccination remains one of the most effective public health interventions known to humanity. Yet its success depends not only on science and logistics, but also on trust, accurate information, and public confidence—and that’s where journalists play a vital role,” Prof. Zotor stressed.
He noted that the collaboration between AMMREN and the EPI marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time the two organisations had partnered to host such an event. The webinar also aligns with the objectives of the National Media Vaccine Network, launched last year by AMMREN in partnership with WHO Ghana, to strengthen media engagement on immunisation matters.
Prof. Zotor emphasised that in an age where misinformation spreads faster than viruses, journalists bear a profound responsibility—not only to report facts, but to educate, clarify, and advocate for the truth.
“Whether it’s debunking vaccine myths, sharing personal stories, or highlighting the efforts of frontline health workers, journalists play a pivotal role in shaping the national discourse,” he said.
He reminded participants that every story told about a mother walking miles to vaccinate her child, every feature highlighting local immunisation successes, and every investigative report exposing gaps in health service delivery brings Ghana closer to a healthier, more resilient future.
AMMREN reaffirmed its commitment to equipping journalists with accurate data, resources, and access to health experts to enable impactful, evidence-based reporting. Prof. Zotor encouraged media practitioners to go beyond press statements and become true Health Champions—telling human-centred stories with empathy, precision, and a strong commitment to the public interest.
“No child should suffer or die from a preventable disease. Every vaccinated child is a step towards a stronger, healthier Ghana,” he affirmed.
He called on all stakeholders—government agencies, healthcare professionals, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, and the media—to work together to expand immunisation services, especially to hard-to-reach and underserved communities.
The webinar also featured remarks from the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, and the WHO Country Representative, Dr Kwame Amposah Achiano, both of whom praised the vital role of the media in advancing public health initiatives.
As African Vaccination Week continues, AMMREN’s compelling call to action reminds all actors—particularly journalists—that beyond the headlines lies the power to transform communities, save lives, and help create a future where every Ghanaian child has the chance to thrive.
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