The WHO Country Representative to Ghana Dr Fiona Braka says she’s optimistic that Ghana is well positioned to win the fight to eliminate of cervical cancer by 2030.
Ghana’s introduction of the HPV vaccine from October 7 to 11, plus the routinization of the vaccine marks a crucial step towards protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer.
In highlighting a significant step towards combating cervical cancer in Ghana. The World Health Organization, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service and the Pediatric Society of Ghana, has organized a sensitization workshop on the introduction of the HPV vaccine.
The workshop aimed to engage stakeholders and the media on the upcoming nationwide rollout of the HPV vaccine, emphasizing its crucial role in preventing cervical cancer and promoting adolescent health.
President of the Pediatric Society of Ghana, Dr Hilda Boye underscored the importance of the vaccine in improving the quality of life of children, urging all to embrace it.
“It’s a good thing and we can only be glad it’s finally here in Ghana to protect the young girls. The protection is important against cervical cancer. Eventually, as we start this implementation, we will continue to advocate for the male child to be added. For now, we want everyone to understand that the vaccine is safe and good and it’s here to protect the children. So, they should accept it’’ she said.
Dr Fiona Braka is optimistic that Ghana is well positioned to win the fight against elimination of cervical cancer by 2030.
“We’re optimistic that Ghana will meet the 90-70-90 strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030. The HPV vaccine is safe, and it’s not new – it’s been in use for over a decade. With 140 countries globally rolling out the vaccine, Ghana joins 28 African countries in making it a routine part of immunization,” she said.
Programme Manager for the Expanded Programme on Immunization, Dr. Selorm Kutsoati says all is set for the campaign to begin on October 7.
She said they have begun the distribution of the vaccines to the various regions for onward distribution to the districts ahead of the exercise.
Cervical cancer is a significant health concern in Ghana, and prevention through vaccination is a key strategy for elimination. The Ghana Health Service and Pediatric Society of Ghana are working closely with the WHO to ensure a successful rollout.
