BudgIT Ghana and COVID-19 Transparency and Accountability Project join forces to promote vaccine equity and transparency

Since its establishment in 2021, the COVID-19 Transparency and Accountability Project (CTAP) has emerged as a driving force in Ghana's battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

CTAP's primary objective is to champion transparency in the healthcare sector, closely examine government expenditures related to the health sector, and advocate for fair vaccine distribution.

As CTAP enters its vaccine campaign phase, it aims to dispel general vaccine myths, provide accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccine, and highlight the importance of comprehensive vaccination in achieving herd immunity and safeguarding public health.

Under the banner of the "Get Vaccinated Now; SAVE ONE SAVE ALL" campaign, Phase III of the CTAP project unfolds with a multifaceted approach. This comprehensive campaign involves town hall meetings, market activation storms, radio discussions, social media engagements, campus and community engagements and more.

As part of this endeavour, BudgIT Ghana recently spearheaded a market storm in the bustling Kaneshie Market, renowned as one of West Africa's largest pedestrian malls. With approximately 10,000 daily visitors from various regions within Ghana and the broader West African sub-region, the market served as a strategic location for the SAVE ONE SAVE ALL campaign.

The CTAP team embarked on a mission to educate and raise awareness about the COVID-19 vaccine, dispel myths and misconceptions, and emphasize the significance of comprehensive vaccination efforts in achieving herd immunity.

The BudgIT Ghana CTAP team initiated their engagement by paying courtesy calls to the Kaneshie Market queen’s mother, her sub queens, the market complex management, and the Kaneshie Market Clinic. These visits facilitated fruitful discussions and the exchange of ideas regarding vaccination promotion within the community.

The team disseminated campaign materials, such as flyers, banners, and posters, while engaging in one-on-one conversations with marketgoers, vendors, and local leaders. They highlighted Ghana's successful track record of vaccination campaigns, citing examples of routine childhood vaccines and other vaccines like those for Malaria, Tetanus, and Yellow Fever, which have garnered considerable acceptance within the community.

Throughout their interactions, the CTAP team made several noteworthy observations. Kaneshie Market demonstrated a higher vaccination rate than other communities they had visited, with only half of the individuals they engaged with receiving at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Nonetheless, the campaign effectively dispelled vaccine myths and generated positive responses. Many individuals openly shared their doubts, experiences, and questions, all of which the team comprehensively addressed. Campaign materials were also distributed to marketgoers, encouraging them to share the information with their families and neighbours, indicating a growing interest in the vaccination conversation and the vaccine itself.

To further expand the campaign's reach, the CTAP team actively participated in a lively radio discussion at Kanesh Urban Radio, a prominent media outlet in the community. This engaging conversation reached over 20,000 listeners from within and beyond Kaneshie Market, effectively spreading the message of the SAVE ONE SAVE ALL campaign.

The engagement with Kaneshie Market underscored the necessity for collaboration among government bodies, stakeholders, and communities, emphasising the importance of accurate information dissemination, correcting misconceptions about the vaccine, and encouraging active participation from all parties involved.

The SAVE ONE SAVE ALL campaign took a significant stride forward during the market storm at Kaneshie Market. By targeting individuals from various parts of the sub-region who came to do business in the bustling market and local citizens, the CTAP team successfully educated individuals about the COVID-19 vaccine and addressed their concerns through direct interactions.

Additionally, the campaign forged a partnership with Kanesh Urban Radio to reach even more people, emphasising that everyone bears a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all. With continued efforts and collaboration, the hope is to achieve increased vaccination rates and foster a greater understanding of vaccines' crucial role in safeguarding public health within the Kaneshie Market community and beyond.

CTAP's "Get Vaccinated Now; SAVE ONE SAVE ALL" campaign, in collaboration with BudgIT Ghana, profoundly impacts Ghana's fight against COVID-19. By promoting transparency, dispelling vaccine myths, and advocating for comprehensive vaccination, CTAP is paving the way toward herd immunity and safeguarding public health. Together, let us embrace the significance of vaccination, stay informed, and work hand in hand to create a healthier and brighter future for all.