The Ministry of Health has inaugurated a newly reconstituted National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG-Ghana), a move officials say will strengthen evidence-based decision-making and reinforce the country’s immunization strategy amid shifting global health demands.
Speaking on behalf of Health Minister Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Deputy Health Minister Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah said the refreshed advisory body brings together seasoned public health specialists, epidemiologists and immunization experts with a mandate to guide national vaccine policy.
She noted that NITAG’s expanded responsibilities include advising on new vaccine introductions, optimizing immunization schedules, and supporting sustainable financing mechanisms under the government’s Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) initiative. These efforts, she said, are central to improving population immunity and safeguarding national health security.
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah outlined three top priorities for the strengthened advisory group: advancing rigorously evidence-based policymaking, enhancing preparedness for emerging health threats, and deepening transparency and collaboration among health agencies, development partners, and scientific institutions.
She reaffirmed government’s strong backing for NITAG’s work, stressing that its guidance will be essential to achieving equitable vaccine access, improving routine immunization coverage, and ensuring resilience against outbreaks.
Newly appointed NITAG chairman, Prof. Philip B. Adongo, pledged the committee’s commitment to providing independent, high-quality technical recommendations to support the national immunization programme. He thanked the Ministry for its trust and said the group will build on earlier achievements while strengthening Ghana’s long-term immunization and public health goals.
The inauguration marks a renewed push to align national vaccine policy with evolving global standards and to reinforce Ghana’s capacity to respond to future health challenges.