Ghana intensifies HPV vaccination drive: GHS moves nationwide to protect every girl child

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has intensified its nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign to protect girls aged 9 to 14 from cervical cancer, one of the leading preventable diseases affecting women globally.

Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, who led a monitoring team to vaccination centres in the Volta Region, assured parents and guardians that the vaccines are safe and effective.

He emphasised that the government has taken all necessary measures to ensure the health and safety of children during and after the vaccination exercise.

“On behalf of His Excellency the President, we have been directed to go around the entire country to monitor this exercise to make sure none of our children get sick and that they all receive the best of attention,” Dr. Kaba said.

“These vaccines have been used before, even right here in Ghana, between 2013 and 2018 during a pilot project, which was very successful. People were paying for it, but now His Excellency has instructed that it be done free of charge so every child can benefit because every child counts.”

He disclosed that the vaccination, which targets over 2.2 million girls nationwide, has recorded encouraging coverage with no reports of adverse reactions so far. According to him, regional health directors across the country have been instructed to personally oversee the rollout and ensure all eligible girls are reached.

“We are keeping a strict vigilance. The vaccines have been approved by the Food and Drugs Authority and have been used globally. Even my own family members have taken them. Parents should have no fears,” he stressed.

The Acting GHS Director-General commended the strong collaboration between the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ghana Health Service, noting that teachers and health officers have been working hand in hand to ensure a smooth nationwide rollout.

The Volta Regional Director of Health Service, Dr Emmanuel Atsu Dodor, reaffirmed that the campaign has been met with positive community response across all 18 districts in the region.

“We had extensive educational sessions before the exercise began and continued to educate the public as it went on,” he said. “The vaccine has been piloted for years in Ghana and used safely across the world. No girl should die from cervical cancer, which is preventable.”

Dr Dodor said the regional teams are monitoring progress daily and will continue with mop-up exercises beyond the weekend to ensure every eligible girl receives the vaccine.

Former Volta Regional Health Director and current Board Chairman of the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Dr Joseph Teye Nuertey, described the HPV vaccine as a proven intervention that could save countless lives.

“These vaccines have been used globally with great benefits. We are protecting our girls before they become sexually active because HPV causes cervical cancer. This is an important public health step,” Dr. Nuertey said.

In the Ho Municipality, Municipal Health Director Perfect Titiati reported that over 5,000 girls have already been vaccinated within the first three days of the campaign.

“We are targeting over 12,000 girls across more than 200 schools in the municipality,” she said. “Community mobilization has been strong. We engaged stakeholders early, addressed hesitancy, and debunked conspiracy theories. Parents are now very supportive.”

She noted that health workers will extend the vaccination to community centres, churches, and health facilities over the weekend to reach girls who missed out during the school visits.

“The vaccine is safe, free, and essential for protecting the future of our girls. No child between the ages of 9 and 14 should be left out,” she added.

At the Kabore School in Ho, Assistant Headmistress Benedictor Bimpeh expressed satisfaction with the smooth implementation of the vaccination campaign.

“Everything is going on well with no complaints from the girls or parents. We received adequate education before the exercise,” she said.

The HPV vaccination initiative, which forms part of Ghana’s expanded immunisation programme, aims to drastically reduce cervical cancer rates in the coming decades. Health authorities say the campaign demonstrates the government’s commitment to preventive healthcare and the well-being of future generations.

As Dr Kaba emphasised, “We are doing this for our own children and for the development of our country. When we vaccinate every girl today, we are safeguarding their future.”

Present at the inspection tour are the deputy Volta Director of Health Service, Dr Charles Torkornu, and other health professionals.

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