By Ebi Kesiena
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has urged mothers to send their babies for weighing regularly from birth till they attain five years old as a prerequisite against childhood diseases.
In an advisory notice on its social media to mothers to mark this year’s African vaccination and child health promotion week, the GHS advised parents to remember to ask the health worker about the growth of their child on each visit.
This year’s commemoration is on the theme: “Healthy beginnings: Investing in every child’s future.”
Similarly, the advisory notice also encouraged parents to send their babies for immunisation against childhood diseases in their first two-years.
Africa Vaccination Week is an annual event slated for every last week in April. It aims to increase awareness and highlight the importance of vaccination in preventing diseases across the African continent.
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It is typically under the auspices of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office for Africa and partners. During the week, various activities are carried out, including immunisation campaigns, advocacy efforts and community engagement initiatives to promote vaccination coverage and access to vaccines.
In addition to vaccination efforts, the GHS is focusing on raising awareness about the importance of hygiene and sanitation practices in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. By promoting handwashing, proper sanitation, and safe drinking water practices, the GHS aims to empower families and communities to protect their children from illnesses caused by poor hygiene.