Bekwai (Ash), Nov. 11, GNA - A total of 17,248 children aged nine months to five years were vaccinated at the end of the National Measles Supplementary Immunization activity in the Bekwai Municipality in the Ashanti Region. The figure represents 82.8 per cent of the target population of 20,825 children. Mr Kingsley Ampratwum, Municipal Coordinator for the immunization programme, told newsmen that the same number of children were given Vitamin 'A' supplement.

He said in all 39 vaccination teams were deployed across the Municipality with vigorous educational campaigns that helped the health directorate to achieve that success. "Kaleo Area Women Development Association (KAWDA), an NGO, actively participated in the education campaign by mobilizing caregivers to send their children to the vaccination centres," Mr Ampratwum said. "KAWDA combed the municipality with megaphones, drawing attention of caregivers to visit the nearest vaccination centre with their children," the Coordinator said.

Earlier, the Executive Director of KAWDA, Mr Albert Annadie, said the Association would continue to champion the course of the vulnerable in society, especially women and children. He said it was crucial for the Association to collaborate with the Ghana Health Service in ensuring the success of the measles exercise since disease was a potential killer of children. "Advocacy and mobilization have been our areas of competence and it was very prudent to play that role for every child from nine to five years in our area to be covered by the immunization programme," Mr Annandie said. He said; "These children need to be cared for, supported to achieve their full potential. Children aged nine months to five years should not be denied their basic rights to health care, these are our happiness, they need our help now more than ever". 11 Nov. 10