In a concerted effort to strengthen community health systems and improve immunization coverage in underserved areas, RACED Ghana, with funding from the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health, and in close partnership with the Ghana Health Service, has successfully implemented the CDS-3 Health Project in the Yunyoo-Nasuan District of the North East Region.
This vital initiative aimed at increasing awareness and uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations as well as all other applicable adult and childhood immunizations. The project targeted rural and hard-to-reach communities where misinformation, logistical barriers, and limited access to healthcare services have historically hindered immunization efforts.
Building Local Capacity Through Volunteerism
A key component of the intervention was the formation and training of Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) in ten selected communities. Each community nominated one local volunteer, culminating in a team of ten trained CHVs — two of whom were female, and eight male — drawn from the following communities:
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Tobont
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Nangban
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Puloti
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Tambing
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Nyerigbini
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Tandiuk
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Kufuuk
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Sagban
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Bunbuna
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Wawa
These volunteers received intensive orientation on the importance of immunization, communication strategies for dispelling vaccine myths, and mobilization techniques to drive community participation in routine and special vaccination campaigns.
“Empowering local champions of health is critical to ensuring sustainability and trust in health interventions,” said Abdul-Latif Umar Mohammed, a project officer at RACED Ghana. “These volunteers are now key ambassadors for immunization in their communities.”
Engaging Communities Through Dialogue
In addition to the volunteer training, RACED Ghana organized a Community Stakeholder Engagement Forum at Bunbuna. The forum brought together 330 participants, with women making up an impressive 75% of attendees. This inclusive gathering created a safe space for dialogue on immunization concerns, provided accurate information, and encouraged collective action toward improving vaccine coverage.
The event also served as a platform for strengthening collaboration between local leaders, health professionals, and community members. Discussions emphasized the lifesaving benefits of vaccines, especially in preventing disease outbreaks, reducing child mortality, and building community immunity.
Partnership for Impact
The success of this project was made possible through the effective collaboration between RACED Ghana, the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health, the Ghana Health Service, and the enthusiastic participation of community members.
By placing community members at the center of health promotion efforts, this initiative not only boosts immunization rates but also fosters local ownership and resilience.
Looking Ahead
RACED Ghana remains committed to advancing health equity and ensuring that no one is left behind. The lessons and momentum from the CDS-3 Health Project will inform future efforts to expand immunization outreach, particularly in marginalized and remote communities across Ghana.
Together, we can build healthier, stronger, and more informed communities — one vaccine at a time.
