Ghana is taking a significant step towards combating cervical cancer with the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and Ghana Health Service (GHS) held a media sensitization workshop on September 30 to educate journalists on the vaccine’s importance, safety, and rollout strategy.
The WHO Country Representative, Dr. Fiona Braka, emphasized Ghana’s progress in joining over 140 countries that have incorporated the HPV vaccine into their routine immunization programs, highlighting the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer, a disease that claims hundreds of lives in Ghana each year.
According to her, the organization will continue to offer the country technical support before, during and after affirming Ghana’s readiness for the exercise scheduled for October 7.
Cervical Cancer Burden in Ghana remains a public health concern, with approximately 2,800 new cases and 1,700 deaths annually.
“We have supported the government in the planning process, in the application process for the vaccine, in the development of standards and guidelines, according to best practice.” Dr Braka said
“We have supported the advocacy and sensitization of a range of stakeholders in helping them to understand the vaccine that is coming on board and to try and counter any misinformation. And so we believe Ghana is ready, and we are looking forward to participating in the rollout of this very important tool in the journey towards cervical cancer elimination in Ghana. So let’s work together. Let’s work together to protect our girls, to empower our communities and to build a healthier future for the people of Ghana.’’ She added.
The Ghana Health Service’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) will lead the vaccination campaign, targeting girls aged 9-14 nationwide. The vaccine will be administered in a single dose, and the campaign aims to reach over 2.4 million girls.
Dr. Selorm Kutsoati, EPI Programmes Manager at GHS, outlined the modalities and deployment plan, stressing the media’s crucial role in informing the public and dispelling misinformation.
‘‘The HPV vaccine is a critical tool in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. The campaign’s phases, includes a five-day national immunization drive followed by integration into routine immunization programs. We are going to look at an age based strategy, not doing a grade based again. And for this campaign, we are targeting almost 2.5 million girls, and then doing a routine immunization, we are looking at about 440,000 girls subsequently, and we are going to catch up from 10.
So, ideally from the campaign, we should immediately move to routine, which will be for nine years alone. And what we know is that even with what we are planning some girls for 10 to 14 may not come during the campaign period, so we will do catch up for those girls for a period of time. The vaccine has a proven track record of being safe and it’s primarily for girls aged 9-14, administered in a single dose.’’ She said.
The campaign’s launch on October 7, 2025, will mark a significant milestone in Ghana’s fight against cervical cancer.
