NCCE, GHS AND SAVE GHANA collaborate to campaign on Yellow Fever Vaccination

Following reports of suspected yellow fever cases in parts of the Upper West Region, the Sissala East Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the Ghana Health Service and Save Ghana have joined forces to mobilise residents for vaccination. The collaborative initiative combined radio education, public announcements and community outreach to encourage eligible residents to protect themselves against the disease.

The sensitisation followed reports of suspected yellow fever cases in Sissala East Municipality and the neighbouring Sissala West and Wa West Districts, prompting health authorities to undertake a vaccination exercise. The campaign targeted children from nine months of age and adults up to 60 years, with public education playing a central role in encouraging participation.

Recognising the importance of accessible information in addressing public health emergencies, Save Ghana, a local non-governmental organisation based in Tumu, sponsored airtime on Sissala Radio and RADFORD FM to educate residents on the importance of vaccination. The initiative sought to ensure that accurate health information reached households and communities across the municipality.

The radio discussions featured the NCCE Municipal Director, Mr. Hussein Elyasu; the Health Promotion Officer, Mr. Ganiew Nanzo; and Mr. Ali Barry of Save Ghana, who also represented the Fulbe community. Their participation brought together civic education, public health expertise and community representation to encourage residents to take the vaccination exercise seriously.

Through the broadcasts, the public was sensitised on the importance of immunisation in preventing yellow fever and reducing the risk of further infections. Residents within the eligible age categories were encouraged to take advantage of the vaccination campaign and cooperate with health personnel undertaking the exercise.

Beyond the radio discussions, specially developed educational jingles were aired to reinforce the vaccination messages. The NCCE also deployed its public address van to make announcements within communities, complementing the radio campaign and extending the reach of the sensitisation to residents going about their daily activities.

The involvement of Save Ghana and the Fulbe community representative further highlighted the importance of community participation in public health interventions. By combining institutional expertise with local communication channels, the campaign sought to improve awareness and encourage wider acceptance of vaccination across different sections of the population.

The joint intervention demonstrated the value of collaboration between civic education institutions, health authorities and civil society organisations in responding to public health challenges. It also reinforced the importance of timely information, community cooperation and preventive healthcare in protecting lives and strengthening public health resilience.