The Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh is calling on parents and guardians to prioritize the health and well-being of their children by consenting to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.
The vaccine seeks to protect the young girls from age 9 to 14 against cervical cancer, a significant health concern for women worldwide.
The Minister’s appeal comes after reports emerged of some parents refusing to sign consent forms for their children to receive the vaccine.
According to the Minister, government has made a lot of commitments and efforts to ensure every woman is protected against the disease hence urged parents and guardians to consult with healthcare professionals to learn more about the vaccine and its benefits and support the campaign.
Speaking to journalists in Accra on October 9, the Minister reiterated the safety of the vaccine, dispelling the myths and misconceptions associated with it.
“Government is spending a lot to ensure the young woman are protected against this deadly virus. It’s being done globally and even in other African countries. The vaccine is safe. I want all parents to hear this. The vaccine is safe. Please get it for your girls and protect them. Look we have heard all the myths that it causes fertility issues and it’s to reduce population. They are all false,” he said.
Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, and the HPV vaccine is a crucial tool in the fight against it. By vaccinating their children, parents can significantly reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer later in life.
The country is currently running a nationwide vaccination campaign hoping to reach some 2.4 million young girls. After which the vaccination drive will be routinized into the country’s Expanded Programme on Immunization.
