In a concerted effort to promote vaccinations and raise awareness of COVID-19 among the residents of the Ada Community, the BudgIT Ghana team recently embarked on an intensive Vaccination campaign.

The campaign aimed to highlight Ghana's long-standing history and familiarity with vaccines while emphasising the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine in combating the notorious global pandemic.

The BudgIT team left no stone unturned as they set up camp and launched a comprehensive initiative within the local market. Armed with various campaign materials, including flyers, banners, posters, and other paraphernalia, the team made a powerful visual impact. Accompanied by engaging music and a running campaign message on the Public Address system, they managed to capture the attention of the bustling marketplace.

Recognising the significance of personal connections, the BudgIT team engaged in extensive one-on-one interactions with market women, commuters, drivers, local government officials, and even law enforcement personnel. This direct engagement allowed them to effectively convey their campaign message and address any concerns or misconceptions regarding COVID-19 vaccination.

Drawing upon Ghana's successful vaccination history, which includes childhood routine vaccines and vaccines against diseases such as Malaria, Tetanus, Yellow Fever, and HPV, the BudgIT Ghana CTAP team underscored the COVID-19 vaccine as a vital addition to the existing vaccination program. By highlighting the considerable acceptability and positive outcomes of previous vaccines, the team aimed to instil confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine and its ability to combat the ongoing global pandemic.

A notable aspect of the BudgIT team's campaign was the composition of its members. In addition to BudgIT staff, the team consisted of dedicated volunteers, including journalists and medical professionals who deeply understood vaccination practices. These medical professionals played a crucial role in addressing medical queries, providing accurate information, and dispelling myths surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine.

Speaking about the campaign, Jennifer Addochoe Moffatt, the CTAP Project Lead from BudgIT Ghana, emphasised the significance of community engagement. Ms Moffatt stated, "By directly interacting with the people in Ada Community, we created meaningful connections and addressed their concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. We wanted to build upon Ghana's vaccination success and reassure the community that the COVID-19 vaccine is another crucial tool in safeguarding our health and well-being. Ensuring the safety and well-being of ourselves and our loved ones should be our top priority."

The BudgIT Ghana team's efforts were met with positive feedback from the community members, especially the Market Queen mother, Mrs Ernestina Nartey, who appreciated their proactive approach and dedication to spreading accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Amidst the pandemic, all market queens in the Greater Accra Region were invited to a one-day workshop organised by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Ghana Health Service (GHS) at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Head office.

They received comprehensive training on how to keep their community safe while doing business in the marketplace. To provide easy access to running water, the Ada Kasseh Market leadership purchased Veronica Buckets and stands and placed them at strategic locations in the market. All vendors were also required to wear nose masks as a safety measure during the pandemic.

In addition, the team noted that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy stemmed from political motivations for some individuals, while others were hesitant due to a lack of trust in the government's provision of stimulus packages for pandemic-affected businesses in Ghana. Through their comprehensive campaign, the BudgIT Ghana CTAP team successfully fostered a sense of trust and acceptance among the residents of the Ada Community, encouraging them to get vaccinated and protect themselves against the ongoing pandemic.

As the BudgIT Ghana CTAP team concludes their impactful campaign in Ada Community, their commitment to public health and community engagement is a shining example of how collaborative efforts can combat the challenges posed by global health crises. Their extensive reach and dedication have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in promoting COVID-19 vaccination and fostering a safer and healthier community in Ada.