The Ministry of Health has inaugurated 17 newly reconstituted National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG-Ghana) to strengthen evidence-based vaccine policy and national health protection.
The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, during the ceremony on Tuesday, in Accra, said the refreshed advisory body brings together leading experts to guide immunization decisions amid rapidly evolving global health challenges.
She highlighted NITAG’s expanded role in providing impartial, high-quality recommendations to inform national vaccine introductions, optimize immunization schedules, and support sustainable financing under the government’s Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) policy.
She noted that emerging pathogens, rising vaccine hesitancy and advancements in immunisation technologies required stronger and coordinated policy direction backed by scientific evidence.
“Your impartial, evidence-based recommendations will be essential in ensuring that our immunisation programmes remain resilient, equitable and aligned with global best practices,” she said.
Dr. Ayensu-Danquah emphasized three key priorities for the new NITAG: strengthening evidence-based policymaking, enhancing national preparedness and health security, as well as promoting transparency and collaboration among health institutions and partners.
“These aligned with the ministry’s broader agenda for stronger primary health care, and called on the members to support government’s efforts to make essential vaccines accessible and equitable for all,” she stated.
She expressed the government’s full support for the group’s work, stressing that its recommendations will be critical to protecting communities, advancing equitable access to vaccines, and building a more resilient health system.
The Newly appointed chairman of NITAG, Prof. Philip Baba Adongo, pledged the committee’s full commitment to delivering high-quality technical guidance for the country’s immunization programme.
“We accept this responsibility with dedication and will bring our collective expertise to bear to ensure that the country’s immunisation policies are guided by the best available evidence,” he added.
He noted the team would work collectively to provide sound technical advice to strengthen the national immunisation programme.
The team, chaired by a Public Health Researcher and a Social and Behavioural Scientist, Prof. Philip Baba Adongo, include experts in pediatrics, epidemiology, microbiology, public health, pharmacy, immunology, health economics and the social sciences.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD
