The Ashanti Regional Directorate of the Ghana Health Service has announced plans to launch a measles immunisation exercise targeting children aged 9 to 59 months. The campaign aims to vaccinate 903,973 children across the region to protect them against the rising number of measles cases.

This initiative follows an alarming increase in measles cases, with 119 cases reported this year, compared to 79 from the previous year. Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, Regional Director of Health Services, emphasized the importance of the campaign during a press conference, stating that it will run from Wednesday, 2 October 2024, across all 43 districts.

Vaccines will be available at hospitals, health centres, schools, and community posts, and vitamin A supplements will also be provided to enhance children’s overall health. Dr. Boateng urged parents to prioritize the exercise, highlighting the risks of not vaccinating their children against measles and rubella.