Ghana Health Service begins Yellow Fever vaccination campaign in Upper West

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has commenced a five-day yellow fever vaccination campaign in Upper West Region, Ghana, targeting around 244,869 individuals in Wa West, Sissala East, and Sissala West districts. The campaign, which started on October 14, 2026, aims to halt the ongoing yellow fever outbreak and shield residents aged nine months to 60 years against the disease.

To ensure broad reach, GHS has mobilized trained health personnel to health centers and temporary vaccination sites at key public locations such as markets, lorry stations, churches, mosques, and schools. Additionally, mobile teams are traversing communities, towns, and villages to vaccinate eligible residents who might find it challenging to attend fixed vaccination points.

GHS is strongly encouraging all eligible individuals within the three districts to participate in the campaign, emphasizing that high vaccination coverage is critical in curbing the disease's spread. Those vaccinated during the campaign will receive yellow vaccination cards as official evidence of immunization. The public is advised to retain these cards securely, as they may be necessary for accessing health services, enrolling in schools, or traveling.

Yellow fever is a viral illness transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting. Severe cases can result in jaundice, bleeding, organ failure, and death. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure, with a single dose offering long-lasting, generally lifelong protection for most people.

The World Health Organization underscores the importance of timely vaccination and public participation during an outbreak, as yellow fever can thrive in environments where the virus, mosquitoes, and susceptible people coexist. Therefore, GHS is urging people aged nine months to 60 years in Wa West, Sissala East, and Sissala West to get vaccinated during the campaign to safeguard themselves, their families, and their communities.