The Upper East Region of Ghana has received a shipment of 100,000 doses of Anthrax vaccines to combat the spread of the disease. Regional Minister Stephen Yakubu, also Chairman of the Public Health Emergency Committee, provided updates on the ongoing vaccination campaign.
The region has been grappling with the severity of the Anthrax infection problem, leading to a ban on the consumption, sale, and movement of animal remnants. The vaccines have been distributed since Monday, with the aim of reaching 70 percent of the population.
Minister Yakubu addressed the media, acknowledging the importance of the recently received Anthrax vaccines. He highlighted the ongoing vaccination efforts, which began on Monday following the delivery. The Minister explained that the ban on eating, sale, and movement of animal remnants was implemented due to the severity of the Anthrax infection problem in the region.
To ensure the efficient distribution of the vaccines, Zipline, a delivery service provider, is assisting in transporting the doses to their designated destinations across the region. This collaboration facilitates the timely delivery of vaccines, reaching areas where they are most needed. The Minister mentioned that 40,000 doses had already been administered, with the delivery on that particular day scheduled for the town of Bolga.
Minister Yakubu expressed optimism that the 100,000 doses of Anthrax vaccines received would contribute significantly to achieving the targeted benchmark of vaccinating 70 percent of the population.
This benchmark is crucial for the potential lifting of the ban on the transportation, sale, slaughtering, and consumption of cattle, goats, and sheep. The Minister stated that approximately 40 percent of the vaccination campaign had already been completed.
A re-evaluation of the progress made so far was scheduled to take place over the upcoming weekend. This assessment would determine the effectiveness of the vaccination campaign and guide the next steps in controlling the spread of Anthrax.
Minister Yakubu emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure the success of the vaccination efforts and the eventual lifting of the ban.
