Ghana targets 20mn COVID-19 vaccinations from March

Ghana has recently approved the emergency use of the Russian Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine and is gearing up to vaccinate around 20 million people starting from the first week of March. Dr. Rex Kwame Bonsu, resident internal medicine at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, provided insights into Ghana's COVID-19 vaccine rollout during an interview with CNBC Africa. Dr. Bonsu mentioned that Ghana is expecting its first consignment of vaccines, consisting of approximately 350,000 doses. However, with a population of about 31 million, achieving herd immunity by vaccinating 60% of the population poses a significant challenge. The country plans to start with the Oxford-AstraZeneca and Sputnik V vaccines due to limitations in acquiring other vaccines that require sophisticated cold chain storage facilities. One of the major challenges faced by Ghana is the skepticism and concerns among the population regarding the safety and efficacy of the vaccines. Dr. Bonsu highlighted the influence of misinformation on social media and the need for comprehensive rollout plans to address these concerns. To build confidence, Ghana intends to initially vaccinate key groups such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Despite the focus on vaccination, Ghana continues to battle a surge in COVID-19 cases, with over 6,000 active cases and more than 500 deaths. Dr. Bonsu emphasized the importance of adhering to preventive protocols like handwashing, wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and reporting symptoms promptly. He also discussed the hospital's preparedness to isolate suspected cases, provide necessary care, and identify patients requiring intensive care. As Ghana prepares for its vaccination drive, the country is balancing the challenges posed by the pandemic with the progress made in managing COVID-19 cases and implementing preventive measures. The successful rollout of the vaccines will rely on effective communication, addressing public concerns, and ensuring equitable access to vaccinations across the population.