The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has launched a five-day yellow fever vaccination campaign targeting approximately 244,869 people across three districts in the Upper West Region following a yellow fever outbreak.
The campaign, which began on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, is scheduled to end on Sunday, October 18, 2026, covering Wa West, Sissala East and Sissala West districts.
The exercise seeks to contain the outbreak, prevent further transmission and protect residents aged nine months to 60 years against the disease.
To ensure widespread coverage, the GHS has deployed trained health workers to health facilities and temporary vaccination centres at strategic public locations, including markets, lorry stations, churches, mosques, and schools.
Mobile vaccination teams are also moving through communities, towns and villages to reach eligible residents who may have difficulty accessing fixed vaccination points.
The Service is urging all eligible persons within the three districts to take advantage of the exercise, stressing that high vaccination coverage is essential to stopping the spread of the disease.
People vaccinated during the campaign are being given yellow vaccination cards as official proof of immunisation.
The public has been advised to keep the cards safely, as they may be required when accessing health services, enrolling in school or travelling.
Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, it can lead to jaundice, bleeding, organ failure and death.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent yellow fever. According to the World Health Organization, a single dose provides long-lasting, generally lifelong protection for most people and is sufficient for routine prevention.
The disease can spread in areas where the virus, mosquitoes and susceptible people are present, making timely vaccination and public participation important during an outbreak.
The GHS is therefore encouraging residents aged nine months to 60 years in Wa West, Sissala East and Sissala West to get vaccinated during the campaign to help protect themselves, their families and their communities.
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