Ghana has made some major strides in its mission to ensure vaccine safety following the development of the Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) Reporting Toolkit.

The toolkit which was developed by the African Collaborating Center for Pharmacovigilance seeks to ramp up efforts in providing accurate reports on side effects of vaccines.

It also aims to enhance public confidence in vaccines in Africa and ensure public trust in immunization programs.

Having been piloted across four districts in the Central and Eastern regions, experts, policymakers and stakeholders have engaged extensively and deliberated on the outcome of pilots.

Speaking at the engagement, Dr. Sharon Laryea, a Senior Researcher and Clinical Pharmacist at the African Collaborating Center, emphasized the importance of this innovation:

"This toolkit provides a streamlined way for healthcare workers to document and report any side effects efficiently, ensuring that no case goes unreported."

Dr. David Nana Adjei, a Biostatistician at ACC, highlighted how the toolkit has already been successfully deployed in other African countries like Kenya. With its structured reporting process and data-driven approach, Ghana’s health sector is optimistic about its impact.

Dr. Sodzie Sodzie Tettey, Acting CEO of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), assured that the institute will work on the report and expand it.

"Ensuring vaccine safety is a priority for us. The NVI is dedicated to supporting this initiative to improve surveillance and boost public confidence in immunization programs," Dr. Tettey stated.