The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between science and communication, noting that vaccines only save lives when people understand, trust, and accept them.
Speaking during a webinar on strengthening vaccine communication in Ghana, Dr. Sodzi-Tettey described vaccines as “one of humanity’s greatest achievements,” citing their immense contribution to saving lives, preventing disabilities, and promoting societal progress.
“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccines have saved about 154 million lives over the last 50 years—most of them young children,” he stated.
Ghana’s Vaccine Success Story
Dr. Sodzi-Tettey highlighted the success of Ghana’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), launched in 1978, as one of the nation’s proudest public health accomplishments. He noted that vaccination coverage has consistently exceeded 85% for most antigens, leading to a significant decline in child mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases.
He, however, pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the world’s vaccine inequities.
“Despite global scientific advances, access to vaccines remains deeply unequal. Ghana, like many African countries, struggled to secure timely supplies. It became evident that dependence on imports was unsustainable,” he said.
This realization, he explained, led to Ghana’s bold national vision to take ownership of vaccine production and research.
Establishment of the National Vaccine Institute
In 2023, Parliament passed the National Vaccine Institute Act (Act 1097), establishing the NVI to coordinate and oversee vaccine research, development, and manufacturing in Ghana.
The Institute’s mission is to help the country achieve vaccine self-sufficiency, addressing national needs while contributing to regional health security.
Its vision is to build a self-sufficient, resilient, and innovative vaccine ecosystem, guided by six core values: integrity, innovation, collaboration, accountability, professionalism, and impact.
Progress and Achievements
Dr. Sodzi-Tettey revealed that under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana’s vision of ensuring health security through better pandemic preparedness has accelerated.
He noted that with focused direction from the President and the Minister of Health, the NVI is working to ensure that concrete vaccine products are produced before 2028.
The Institute has provided strong guidance to Atlantic Lifesciences (ALS) and DEK Vaccines Ltd to prioritize high-impact interventions. Atlantic Lifesciences is focusing on vaccines such as Tetanus Diphtheria (Td) and HPV, as well as sera like Snake Venom Antiserum and Anti-Tetanus Serum, DEK Vaccines Ltd, when fully operational, will produce Oral Cholera (OCV) and Rotavirus vaccines.
Technology Transfer and International Partnerships
Explaining Ghana’s collaboration with PT Bio Farma of Indonesia, Dr. Sodzi-Tettey said President Mahama highlighted Indonesia’s success story during the GAVI replenishment conference in Brussels (June 2025).
Indonesia, he noted, has graduated from GAVI support and become a reputable vaccine manufacturer, exporting globally. Inspired by this, the NVI and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) are planning a visit to PT Bio Farma to strengthen Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing capacity.
“The visit will demonstrate the Government of Ghana’s high-level commitment to fostering a partnership that accelerates our vision of making Ghana a vaccine manufacturing nation,” Dr. Sodzi-Tettey explained.
The visit will also support the technology transfer agreement between Atlantic Lifesciences and PT Bio Farma, aimed at starting local Tetanus Diphtheria vaccine production in 2026. Additionally, discussions will explore opportunities to build research and technical manufacturing capacities to develop Ghana’s vaccine ecosystem further.
Government Commitment and Funding
In August 2025, President Mahama pledged an additional $50 million in seed funding to the NVI, demonstrating government’s practical commitment to advancing Africa’s health sovereignty.
He also tasked the NVI to develop a Cabinet Memorandum for Advance Market Commitments (AMC) in collaboration with the Ministries of Health, Finance, Trade and Industry, and other relevant agencies. The AMC will ensure that government procurement prioritizes locally manufactured vaccines and sera products.
The Crucial Role of the Media
Dr. Sodzi-Tettey underscored that scientific advancement alone is not enough—public understanding and trust are essential.
“The media’s role is indispensable. Journalists are the bridge between scientific information and public perception. The stories they tell shape how people think, feel, and respond to health interventions,” he emphasized.
He recalled how, during the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation spread faster than the virus itself, undermining confidence and delaying lifesaving interventions.
Dr. Sodzi-Tettey commended ongoing training initiatives designed to help journalists deepen their understanding of vaccine science, ask informed questions, interpret data responsibly, and report with accuracy and empathy.
He described the relationship between scientists and journalists as a long-term partnership, not a one-time effort.
“Health communication must be continuous—rooted in transparency, collaboration, and trust. Every citizen deserves reliable information to make informed health choices,” he said.
A Future of Health Security and National Pride
Dr. Sodzi-Tettey concluded that Ghana’s vaccine development journey is not only a story of science but also of national pride, resilience, and innovation.
“Ghana is on course to become a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in West Africa. The National Vaccine Institute is leading that transformation—not just by producing vaccines, but by building confidence in Ghanaian research and our capacity to solve our own challenges,” he affirmed.
He reiterated the NVI’s commitment to continue working with the Ghana Health Service, EPI, regulatory bodies, universities, and the media to make this vision a reality.
“Accurate, ethical, and well-informed journalism is a cornerstone of public health. Together, we can build a future where health information empowers, vaccines protect, and every citizen lives a healthy, dignified life,” Dr. Sodzi-Tettey stated
