Asahi Shimbun's 'with Planet' Features Report on Reaching Zero-Dose Children Members' Activities in Ghana
Reaching Zero-Dose Children announced that an article written by member Tatsuto Hirata, titled 'Medical Student Challenges Health Education in Ghana for Children’s Health and Safety,' was published on June 3, 2026, on Asahi Shimbun's web media platform 'with Planet.'
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- 📰 Published: June 14, 2026 at 22:10
- 🔍 Collected: June 14, 2026 at 13:18
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 14, 2026 at 13:22 (3 min after Collected)
Reaching Zero-Dose Children announced on June 3, 2026, that an article authored by its member Tatsuto Hirata was published on Asahi Shimbun's web media platform 'with Planet.' The article, titled 'Medical Student Challenges Health Education in Ghana for Children’s Health and Safety,' details the organization's health education initiatives conducted in February 2026 in schools and churches across Ghana, West Africa.
Health Education Activities in Ghana
As a youth-led organization addressing the issue of 'zero-dose children'—children who have never received any vaccines—Reaching Zero-Dose Children works on vaccine equity, global health, health communication, educational programs, and policy advocacy.
This article reports on health education activities carried out for children and local communities during the team's visit to Ghana. The team visited schools, churches, and other places where children gather daily, delivering interactive lessons on health habits, vaccines, handwashing, and STI prevention, tailored to the age group and local context.
Key Activities Highlighted in the Article
At a private middle school in Accra, the team introduced Japan’s 'wa' (harmony) philosophy and hygiene practices. Using interactive quizzes, they emphasized the importance of daily health habits such as nutrition, sleep, and hand hygiene.
The team also clearly explained vaccines—their mechanisms and the concept of 'herd immunity,' a core theme of the organization. Students showed strong interest, asking questions about allergies and vaccine safety.
At a public middle school, role-playing exercises focused on communication with partners were conducted to address local challenges such as teenage pregnancy and STI prevention. These activities encouraged students to think proactively about their health and future.
At a church Sunday school, the team taught handwashing through songs for young children and donated special stamps that help visualize the recommended handwashing duration.
Challenges Identified and the Need for Sustained Efforts
The visit revealed that the term 'zero-dose children' and the challenges faced by unvaccinated children are not widely known among local students. Additionally, with limited structured health education curricula, expanding access to essential health knowledge remains a critical need.
Beyond one-off interventions, the key challenge moving forward is how to sustainably deliver health education that aligns with local education systems and cultural contexts. Building on this experience, the organization will continue working with local partners to develop long-term, context-sensitive approaches, leveraging Japanese expertise and youth perspectives.
About the Published Article
Media: Asahi Shimbun 'with Planet'
Publication Date: June 3, 2026
Article Title: 'Medical Student Challenges Health Education in Ghana for Children’s Health and Safety'
Author: Tatsuto Hirata
The full article is available at:
https://www.asahi.com/withplanet/article/16607092
About Reaching Zero-Dose Children
Reaching Zero-Dose Children is a youth-led nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by children who have never received any vaccines. Through vaccine equity, global health, health communication, policy advocacy, and educational initiatives, the organization aims to deliver life-saving vaccines to every child.
Going forward, the organization will continue to contribute to more equitable access to immunization by listening to local voices, promoting community-based communication, youth engagement, and international collaboration.
Support Our Work
The activities of Reaching Zero-Dose Children are made possible through public support. Both one-time and recurring donations are welcome.
[Company Information]
Organization: Reaching Zero-Dose Children
Representative: Aimi Katagiri
Address: 2-8-1 Nihonbashi-Kayabacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
URL: https://www.reachingzdc.org/
Established: 2025
[Inquiries]
Email: contact@reachingzdc.org
Health Education Activities in Ghana
As a youth-led organization addressing the issue of 'zero-dose children'—children who have never received any vaccines—Reaching Zero-Dose Children works on vaccine equity, global health, health communication, educational programs, and policy advocacy.
This article reports on health education activities carried out for children and local communities during the team's visit to Ghana. The team visited schools, churches, and other places where children gather daily, delivering interactive lessons on health habits, vaccines, handwashing, and STI prevention, tailored to the age group and local context.
Key Activities Highlighted in the Article
At a private middle school in Accra, the team introduced Japan’s 'wa' (harmony) philosophy and hygiene practices. Using interactive quizzes, they emphasized the importance of daily health habits such as nutrition, sleep, and hand hygiene.
The team also clearly explained vaccines—their mechanisms and the concept of 'herd immunity,' a core theme of the organization. Students showed strong interest, asking questions about allergies and vaccine safety.
At a public middle school, role-playing exercises focused on communication with partners were conducted to address local challenges such as teenage pregnancy and STI prevention. These activities encouraged students to think proactively about their health and future.
At a church Sunday school, the team taught handwashing through songs for young children and donated special stamps that help visualize the recommended handwashing duration.
Challenges Identified and the Need for Sustained Efforts
The visit revealed that the term 'zero-dose children' and the challenges faced by unvaccinated children are not widely known among local students. Additionally, with limited structured health education curricula, expanding access to essential health knowledge remains a critical need.
Beyond one-off interventions, the key challenge moving forward is how to sustainably deliver health education that aligns with local education systems and cultural contexts. Building on this experience, the organization will continue working with local partners to develop long-term, context-sensitive approaches, leveraging Japanese expertise and youth perspectives.
About the Published Article
Media: Asahi Shimbun 'with Planet'
Publication Date: June 3, 2026
Article Title: 'Medical Student Challenges Health Education in Ghana for Children’s Health and Safety'
Author: Tatsuto Hirata
The full article is available at:
https://www.asahi.com/withplanet/article/16607092
About Reaching Zero-Dose Children
Reaching Zero-Dose Children is a youth-led nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by children who have never received any vaccines. Through vaccine equity, global health, health communication, policy advocacy, and educational initiatives, the organization aims to deliver life-saving vaccines to every child.
Going forward, the organization will continue to contribute to more equitable access to immunization by listening to local voices, promoting community-based communication, youth engagement, and international collaboration.
Support Our Work
The activities of Reaching Zero-Dose Children are made possible through public support. Both one-time and recurring donations are welcome.
[Company Information]
Organization: Reaching Zero-Dose Children
Representative: Aimi Katagiri
Address: 2-8-1 Nihonbashi-Kayabacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
URL: https://www.reachingzdc.org/
Established: 2025
[Inquiries]
Email: contact@reachingzdc.org
FAQ
Where does Reaching Zero-Dose Children operate?
Currently focused on Ghana, West Africa, with plans to expand to other developing countries.
Who designs the health education curriculum?
Medical students and public health experts co-design the program based on local cultural and educational contexts.
Are there activities in Japan?
Yes, awareness campaigns, fundraising, and youth engagement events are held in Japan.