Ghana is set to pilot a national Pregnancy Registry in early 2026 — a move that positions the country at the forefront of vaccine safety monitoring in sub-Saharan Africa.
The initiative, which falls under the Maternal Immunisation Safety Monitoring Programme, aims to generate critical data on how vaccines affect pregnant women and their babies. The programme is being led by Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) with implementation by the Dodowa and Kintampo Health Research Centres, and financial backing from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
“This registry is not just about monitoring side effects,” said Dr. Edwin Nkansah, Director of Vaccines, Vigilance, and Clinical Trials at the FDA. “It’s about building a data-driven system that ensures the safety of both mother and child, and shapes the future of maternal immunisation in Ghana.”
The registry will track the health of pregnant women from early stages through delivery and postpartum, capturing how their bodies respond to vaccinations. It also marks a rare fusion of local health expertise and global funding, with international partners recognising Ghana’s growing leadership in pharmaceutical regulation and health innovation.
Dr. Frank Atuguba, Director of the Dodowa Health Research Centre, disclosed that 150 pregnant women will participate in the pilot phase, with detailed records monitored throughout their pregnancies and after delivery. He also confirmed the inclusion of trials for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Group B Streptococcal Pneumonia, diseases known to pose serious risks to both mothers and infants.
“By targeting maternal immunisation, we’re not only protecting mothers — we’re giving newborns a head start at life,” Dr. Atuguba noted.
Adeli Ashie, Chief Regulatory Officer at the FDA, added that the initiative aligns with the Authority’s broader mandate to ensure the safety of medicinal products, especially for vulnerable populations like expectant mothers.
Public health advocates have praised the initiative for its potential to influence vaccine policy across Africa, especially at a time when misinformation and vaccine hesitancy remain global concerns.
