BY: Akpabli Daniel Yao | Voltaonlinegh.com |
Two districts in the Volta Region have been selected to partake in the phase B of the Yellow fever mass vaccination exercise from Thursday, November 12 to Wednesday, November 18, 2020.
The six day vaccination exercise which is taking place in the Akatsi North and Agortime Ziope Districts in the Region, according to the Regional Disease Control Officer, Mr. Anthony Mawuli Pani, is targeting a total population of 42,683 and 36,721 from the two districts respectively.
Speaking at a stakeholder and Media Sensitization on Yellow fever phase B Preventive Mass Vaccination Campaign meeting in commencement of the exercise, Mr. Pani observed that Ghana is endemic to Yellow fever and until recent past, case of yellow fever continued to be reported almost every year hence the need to tackle it head-on.
He further disclosed that, yellow fever assessment in 2010 showed all districts are at risk.
He said all residents from age 10 to 60 years are expected to have themselves vaccinated for free against the yellow fever disease but warn persons below age 10 and above the age 60 years as well as pregnant women not to take part as doing so will have a dying effect on them.
He therefore assured the general public that, the Vaccinators will endeavor to strictly adhere to all the covid-19 protocol to ensure that, the entire exercise is carried out smoothly.
Meanwhile the Regional Health Promotion Officer, Madam Patricia Mawufemor Baku explained that, even though they have begun publicity in the various communities with the use of their Mobile Vans, Community information Centers, OPDs and other medium, the media as a major stakeholder in other districts which residents in these two districts listen to, should assist in the publicity and educational campaign as she noted that, these two districts do not have any.
BACKGROUND
Yellow fever is a potentially deadly flu-like disease spread by mosquitoes and characterized by a high fever and jaundice.
Jaundice is yellowing of the skin and eyes, which is why this disease is called yellow fever
The disease is most prevalent in certain parts of Africa and South America.
47 countries are endemic or have regions that are endemic for yellow fever among which 34 are in Africa and 13 in South America.
An estimated 200,000 cases of yellow fever with 30, 000 deaths occur annually worldwide
Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com
