Every year, Africa Vaccination Week highlights the power of vaccines to protect lives across generations. In Ghana, the 2026 campaign -under the theme “For Every Generation, Vaccines Work”- placed young people at the centre of efforts to build vaccine confidence and strengthen community trust.
Through UNICEF Ghana’s U-Report platform, young volunteers moved from learning to action by raising awareness, addressing misinformation, and supporting immunization uptake in their communities.
From knowledge to action
The campaign began with a national webinar that brought together U-Reporters from across the country. The session introduced U-Report, ethical, youth-led communication, and the role of U-Report in driving community engagement. Participants were guided on how to obtain consent, protect dignity, and share verified information-all essential for building trust.
The session was conducted by UNICEF Ghana health section and the advocacy and communication section. session on Ghana’s immunization programme, highlighting how vaccines have significantly reduced the burden of life-threatening diseases such as polio, measles, tetanus and hepatitis. Despite strong progress, including national immunization coverage above 80 percent, challenges such as misinformation and vaccine hesitancy continue to affect uptake.
“Immunization saves lives and is one of the most effective public health interventions.”
Youth leading outreach in communities
In Tamale, the northern part of Ghana, U-Reporters worked alongside health workers to engage caregivers, teachers and students at health facilities and schools. They participated in Child Welfare Clinic session and observed HPV vaccination exercises for girls aged 9–14.
While engagement was positive, the outreach revealed important gaps. Some caregivers had a limited understanding of the importance of vaccines, while others expressed concerns about side effects and misconceptions about the HPV vaccine.
Reaching households in Nungua
In Accra, U-Reporters partnered with the Ghana Health Service to conduct a door-to-door outreach in Nungua, Accra, reaching families directly in their homes. From the knowledge gained and received during the webinar, they were also oriented on the day of engagement and given handouts as a guide before taking to the streets of Nungua. The activity engaged approximately 300 community members, supported by 14 U-Reporters and 7 health personnel.
Many households were unfamiliar with cervical cancer and the benefits of the HPV vaccine. Misconceptions and hesitancy, often driven by misinformation, remained key barriers.
Building trust, addressing misinformation
Across both Tamale and Accra, one challenge stood out: misinformation. Some caregivers expressed fear about side effects, while others held misconceptions about the HPV vaccine. Addressing these concerns requires continuous, community-centered communication. The campaign reinforced a critical message: HPV vaccination is a life-saving intervention that protects girls aged 9–14 from cervical cancer, and it is safe, effective, and free in Ghana.
“Community members were more receptive when UNICEF and U-Reporters worked alongside health professionals.”
Young voices, lasting impact
The campaign demonstrated that young people are powerful agents of change. Through U-Report, they engaged directly with communities, listened to concerns, and helped bridge the gap between health services and families. Their role strengthened trust and contributed to increased awareness and vaccine uptake.
Looking ahead
While the campaign delivered encouraging results in the Nungua community, it also highlighted the need for sustained efforts by the Ghana Health Service to:
- Strengthen awareness of cervical cancer and HPV vaccination
- Address misinformation through trusted communication
- Expand outreach to more households
- Encourage parental involvement in vaccination decisions
As Ghana continues its immunization advocacy and outreach, one thing is clear: young people are critical to building healthier, more informed communities.
Call to Action
Young people in Ghana are raising their voices for health and change. Join U-Report Ghana. Send “JOIN” to 1755 and be part of the movement for change.
