Ghana Launches Free HPV Vaccination Campaign to Protect Girls from Cervical Cancer
The Ministry of Health has launched a national Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign targeting girls between the ages of 9 and 14. The five-day campaign aims to vaccinate 2.4 million girls across Ghana, marking a significant step in the country’s fight against cervical cancer.
The campaign was officially launched by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh at a national ceremony in Accra. The vaccination drive is part of efforts under President John Mahama’s Free Primary Health Care initiative, and is being rolled out simultaneously in all 16 regions of Ghana.
According to the Minister, the introduction of the free HPV vaccine represents a turning point in Ghana’s approach to women’s health and preventive care.
Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Ghana. The primary cause of the disease is persistent infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through sexual contact. According to data from the Ministry of Health, Ghana records nearly 3,000 new cervical cancer cases annually, with about 2,000 resulting in death.
The HPV vaccine offers protection against the most high-risk strains of the virus. By vaccinating girls before they become sexually active, public health experts believe Ghana can significantly reduce its cervical cancer burden in the coming decades.
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target for the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030. Ghana’s campaign contributes directly to this global goal, positioning the country among the first in West Africa to implement national-scale HPV immunization.
The vaccine being used is Gardasil 4, which protects against four types of HPV known to cause about 70 percent of cervical cancer cases. The vaccine is approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and education authorities, is delivering the vaccine through schools, health facilities, and community outreach programmes. School-based vaccination is expected to cover the majority of girls, while outreach initiatives will ensure that out-of-school girls are also reached.
Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, speaking on behalf of the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, emphasized that the campaign ensures equal access to healthcare for all girls, regardless of their socio-economic background. He noted that until now, only those who could afford the vaccine had access to it, creating a disparity in protection against cervical cancer.
One of the key concerns surrounding the campaign has been vaccine hesitancy, driven largely by misinformation spread through social media and informal networks. The Minister took the opportunity to reassure parents and guardians about the safety of the vaccine.
“This vaccine is safe and effective. It has been rigorously tested and is already in use in over 100 countries. We urge every parent to allow their daughters to receive this protection. Let us not allow rumours to cost lives,” said Mr. Akandoh.
Health professionals, community leaders, and media outlets have been tasked with educating the public to combat myths and increase acceptance. The Ministry has also launched a hotline for questions and concerns related to the vaccine.
Following the five-day campaign, the HPV vaccine will be incorporated into Ghana’s routine childhood immunization programme. This means future cohorts of girls will receive the vaccine as part of their standard health check-ups, ensuring sustainability beyond this initial rollout.
Ghana previously piloted HPV vaccination programmes in selected districts, including parts of the Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions. These pilots recorded high uptake and positive health outcomes, forming the basis for the nationwide scale-up.
Other African countries, such as Rwanda and Botswana, have seen substantial reductions in HPV prevalence and early signs of cervical cancer decline after introducing national vaccination campaigns. Ghana’s health officials are optimistic about replicating similar results.
The success of the campaign is made possible through collaboration with global health partners. Organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, USAID, CDC, and PATH have provided technical, logistical, and financial support.
Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi, who chaired the launch event, described the campaign as a defining moment for Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding the health and future of its girls. She urged all stakeholders, including parents, schools, and religious institutions, to work together to ensure full coverage.
The launch of this campaign is more than a public health initiative; it is a significant investment in the future of Ghanaian girls and the broader health of the nation. With strong political will, international support, and local engagement, Ghana stands poised to make cervical cancer a disease of the past.
As the campaign runs through October 11, the Ministry of Health is urging all parents and guardians to ensure their daughters take advantage of this life-saving opportunity. The success of the programme could shape national health outcomes for generations to come.
Read also: Legal Battle Erupts: Akosua Serwaa Moves to Halt Daddy Lumba’s Funeral Over Spousal Dispute
