Kumasi, GHANA, 16 OCTOBER 2018 (F2A & Ghana News Agency) – The Chief Imam of Ashanti region in Ghana Sheikh Abdul Mumin Haruun has called on duty bearers to show greater commitment to implementation of policies on immunization of children. He said Ghana had strong policies on child immunization but the problem is vaccines are not available in the health facilities.

Sheikh Haruun made this call when speaking during celebrations to mark the International Day of the Girl Child 2018. “Healthy development of children, especially girls, can only be assured when they are immunized against measles, tetanus and other deadly diseases,” Sheikh Harun said. The celebrations were held at the secretariat of the Ashanti Regional Chief Imam in Kumasi, Ghana in line with the global theme “With her: A skilled Girl Force.”

A press statement released by Muslim Family Counselling Services (MFCS) and which F2A received a copy demonstrated the link between immunization and the realization of one of the fundamental rights of girls and children in general. “By immunizing our children, we reduce the chances of them dying before attaining five years of age, and later on they lead healthier, more productive lives in adulthood,” explained Mr. Mohammed Bun Bida, Director with MFCS. The statement also reminded the commitments made by African Heads of States through endorsing the Addis Declaration on Immunization (ADI) in January 2017, and the Global Vaccine Action Plan. Read the full statement here.

The celebrations brought together representatives of key government institutions as well as civil society groups. They included 3 officials of NHIS, 14 CSOs, 78 women, 56 men, 5 members from department social welfare, 2 members from the Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly and 12 members from faith based organizations.