The National Vaccine Institute has announced that a nationwide vaccine perception survey has revealed strong public confidence in vaccines among Ghanaians, challenging the long-held perception of widespread vaccine hesitancy in the country.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the Institute disclosed that the survey findings show overwhelming support for vaccines and growing public enthusiasm for Ghana’s plans to begin local vaccine manufacturing in 2027.
According to the NVI, the study covered all 16 regions and 55 districts across the country, with 13,905 valid responses analysed, making it one of the most comprehensive national assessments of public attitudes toward vaccines and locally manufactured health products in Ghana.
The survey assessed public perceptions of vaccines, examined factors influencing vaccine confidence, identified barriers to the acceptance of locally manufactured vaccines, and analysed misinformation trends affecting vaccine uptake.
Findings from the study revealed that approximately 89.7 per cent of respondents expressed confidence in vaccines, while 94.2 per cent acknowledged a collective responsibility to ensure vaccine availability in the country. Additionally, 71.3 per cent of respondents indicated their willingness to accept and use vaccines manufactured in Ghana once production begins.
The report noted that these findings suggest more than seven out of every ten Ghanaians are ready to embrace Made-in-Ghana vaccines when they become available.
The survey also recorded exceptionally high trust in healthcare professionals and regulatory institutions. About 87.8 per cent of respondents said they trust doctors and nurses who administer vaccines, while many also expressed confidence in the Ghana Health Service and the Food and Drugs Authority.
According to the Institute, this high level of institutional trust provides a strong foundation for Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing agenda and positions healthcare professionals as key advocates in promoting confidence in locally produced vaccines.
Despite the positive outlook, the survey revealed that public awareness about Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing plans remains critically low.
Only 14.3 per cent of respondents were aware that the country is building local vaccine manufacturing capacity ahead of the planned 2027 launch.
The NVI stressed that the findings highlight the urgent need for intensive nationwide awareness campaigns to educate citizens on Ghana’s vaccine production efforts, combat misinformation, and encourage public ownership of the initiative.
Interestingly, the survey found regional differences in vaccine acceptance. Urbanised regions such as Greater Accra Region, Central Region, and Ashanti Region recorded comparatively lower vaccine acceptance despite greater access to information.
In contrast, rural communities in northern Ghana and regions such as Oti Region demonstrated stronger trust and acceptance of vaccines.
The Institute said these regional variations underscore the need for targeted and context-specific communication strategies.
The survey further revealed strong national pride and willingness among Ghanaians to support locally manufactured vaccines.
Many respondents indicated that seeing Ghanaian scientists and local factories involved in vaccine production would increase their confidence in Ghana-made vaccines.
However, the study identified several barriers that could affect vaccine uptake, including vaccine costs, long distances to vaccination centres, and concerns about vaccine storage and transportation systems.
Operational challenges involving cold chain systems, especially in rural communities, were also highlighted as factors that could undermine public confidence during vaccine delivery.
The NVI indicated that stakeholders would need to strengthen cold chain infrastructure, improve transportation and storage systems, and ensure transparent handling protocols to sustain public trust.
As Ghana prepares for local vaccine production, the Institute announced plans to roll out a nationwide awareness and acceptance campaign aimed at educating the public, addressing misinformation, and promoting national support for locally manufactured vaccines.
The campaign is expected to involve government agencies, development partners, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, community leaders, the private sector, and the media.
Chief Executive Officer of the NVI, Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, said Ghana already has a strong foundation of vaccine confidence but must bridge the awareness and trust gap regarding locally manufactured vaccines.
He noted that targeted communication strategies, policies to address misinformation, and interventions to reduce cost barriers and regional disparities would be essential in ensuring widespread vaccine uptake.
The NVI also expressed appreciation to the World Health Organization, the Ghana Health Service, and the Food and Drugs Authority for their continued support.
According to the Institute, the findings are particularly significant because public perception remains one of the key determinants of vaccine uptake.
The data, it said, would help government and health partners establish baseline metrics, identify barriers, design targeted behaviour-change interventions, prepare messaging strategies, and anticipate misinformation narratives.
The survey comes at a time when Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector is transitioning toward vaccine self-sufficiency, with locally manufactured vaccines expected to be launched in 2027.
The initiative also aligns with the broader African Union vision under the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing programme, which seeks to ensure that at least 60 per cent of Africa’s vaccines are produced locally by 2040.
The NVI concluded that Ghana stands at a historic turning point in its public health and industrial development journey, adding that local vaccine production represents not only a step toward health security but also national pride, scientific advancement, economic resilience, and Africa’s determination to take control of its health future.
By 1960news.com
