Accra: A national vaccine perception survey conducted by the National Vaccine Institute has revealed strong public confidence in vaccines among Ghanaians, sharply challenging perceptions of widespread vaccine hesitancy in the country. The survey findings showed that 89.7% of respondents expressed confidence in vaccines, while 94.2% indicated a collective responsibility to ensure vaccine availability nationwide. Significantly, 71.3% of respondents said they would be willing to accept and use vaccines manufactured in Ghana.
According to Ghana Web, the survey is described as one of the most comprehensive national assessments on public attitudes toward vaccines and locally manufactured health products. It was conducted across all 16 regions and 55 districts in Ghana, with a total of 13,905 valid responses analyzed. The findings suggested that more than seven out of every ten respondents are ready to embrace Made-in-Ghana vaccines once they become available.
The study further revealed exceptionally high trust in healthcare professionals and national regulatory institutions. About 87.8% of respondents indicated trust in doctors and nurses who administer vaccines, while many also expressed confidence in the Ghana Health Service and the Food and Drugs Authority. Researchers from the National Vaccine Institute noted that this strong institutional trust provides a solid ground for Ghana's vaccine manufacturing agenda and positions healthcare workers as key advocates in building public confidence in locally produced vaccines.
The survey was conducted at a crucial time as the National Vaccine Institute coordinates and facilitates Ghana's pharmaceutical sector transition toward vaccine self-sufficiency, with locally manufactured vaccines expected to be launched in 2027. The initiative is expected to strengthen Ghana's health security, pharmaceutical innovation, industrial growth, and economic resilience. It also aligns with the African Union's Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing agenda, which seeks to ensure that at least 60% of Africa's vaccines are produced locally by 2040.
However, the survey indicated that only 14.3% of respondents were aware that Ghana is building local vaccine manufacturing capacity ahead of the planned 2027 launch. This calls for an urgent need for nationwide public education campaigns to increase awareness, address misinformation, and encourage public ownership of the initiative. The survey showed that urban regions such as Greater Accra, Central, and Ashanti recorded comparatively lower vaccine acceptance despite greater access to information. In contrast, rural communities in northern Ghana and regions such as Oti demonstrated stronger trust and acceptance of vaccines. The report emphasized the importance of targeted and context-specific communication strategies.
The survey also revealed strong national pride and willingness among respondents to support locally manufactured vaccines. Many participants indicated that seeing Ghanaian scientists and local factories involved in vaccine production would increase their confidence in and acceptance of Ghana-made vaccines. However, the study identified potential barriers that could affect vaccine uptake, including the cost of vaccines, distance to vaccination centers, and concerns over vaccine storage and transportation systems. Operational concerns, particularly regarding cold chain systems in rural areas, were also highlighted as factors that could undermine public confidence during vaccine delivery.
As Ghana moves toward local vaccine production, the NVI plans to roll out a nationwide awareness and acceptance campaign aimed at educating the public, addressing misinformation, and promoting confidence in locally manufactured vaccines. The campaign is expected to involve government institutions, development partners, healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, community leaders, the private sector, and the media.
Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of the NVI, stated that Ghana already has a strong foundation of vaccine confidence but must bridge the awareness gap surrounding locally manufactured vaccines. He emphasized the need for targeted policy and communication strategies to address misinformation, cost barriers, and regional disparities in order to encourage uptake. The NVI remains grateful to the Ghana Health Service, FDA, and the World Health Organization for their continuous support and technical guidance.
The findings provide critical baseline data that will help the government and health partners design targeted behavior-change interventions, prepare messaging strategies, counter misinformation, and maximize public confidence in Ghana-made vaccines. With sustained public education, strong stakeholder collaboration, transparent regulation, and national commitment, Ghana has the opportunity to become a leading example of vaccine confidence and local pharmaceutical innovation on the African continent.
Dr. Charity Binka, Executive Director of the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN), assured continued support for NVI to enhance collaboration with journalists across the country for the successful realization of Ghana's vaccine agenda.