GHS to Roll Out Nationwide Typhoid Vaccination for Food Handlers
The Ghana Health Service has announced plans to launch a nationwide typhoid vaccination programme targeting all food handlers, including street vendors, market operators, restaurant and hotel staff and employees of food and beverage companies.
Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Accra, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the Director-General of GHS, explained that the vaccine will provide protection for three years and is intended to prevent typhoid transmission among the public. The rollout will be implemented in phases, starting with hotels, restaurants, and corporate food businesses, before extending to market vendors and other food handlers. Vaccination status will be linked to the issuance of health certificates required to operate in the food industry.
Dr. Akoriyea emphasized that the vaccines are World Health Organization-approved and meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficacy. He noted that food handlers, by the nature of their work, are at high risk of typhoid infection and could unknowingly contribute to the spread of the disease if unvaccinated.
The programme will complement existing medical screenings and address gaps in typhoid prevention nationwide.
Dr. Akoriyea highlighted the importance of strong collaboration with stakeholders, effective communication and public trust for the initiative’s success.
Authorities also plan to pair the vaccination campaign with public education and media outreach to ensure food handlers understand the importance of compliance.
Food handlers who fail to receive the vaccine will not be issued the mandatory health certificates, reinforcing the preventive goal of the programme.
This initiative aligns with Ghana’s national health objectives, including universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goals and reflects the country’s commitment to protecting public health and reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
