Volta parents welcome HPV vaccination drive, GHS reassure public of their safety

Parents and guardians across the Volta Region have expressed confidence and relief as the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign gains momentum, with thousands of girls between the ages of 9 and 14 already vaccinated to protect them against cervical cancer.

Regional and municipal health officials say the exercise has so far recorded overwhelming participation and positive feedback from communities, teachers, and caregivers, following weeks of public sensitisation.

The Volta Regional Director of Health Service, Dr Emmanuel Atsu Dodor, said the strong turnout was a result of consistent education and collaboration between the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Ghana Education Service (GES).

“We had a series of educational sessions before the exercise began and have continued throughout the campaign,” Dr. Dodor explained. “This vaccine is safe, it has been used globally and even piloted here in Ghana for years before being added to our routine immunization. No girl should die from cervical cancer when it can be prevented.”

He said the vaccination exercise is taking place simultaneously across all 18 districts of the Volta Region, reaching both schools and communities. “Every community is covered, and no area is being left out,” he added, assuring that mop-up activities will continue after the weekend to ensure every eligible girl is vaccinated.

At the Ho Municipal level, the Health Director, Perfect Titiati, disclosed that her team has already vaccinated over 5,000 girls out of an estimated 12,000 target within the first three days of the campaign.

“We’ve visited more than 200 schools so far, and mobilization has been very strong,” she said. “We engaged school authorities, parents, and opinion leaders early, and we tackled misinformation immediately. As a result, the community’s response has been excellent.”

Ms. Titiati added that the municipal teams would extend the exercise to churches, health centres, and community gathering points over the weekend to reach out-of-school girls. “No child between the ages of 9 and 14 should be left behind. The vaccine is free, safe, and lifesaving,” she emphasised.

Parents and teachers in the region have also commended the government and the health authorities for the initiative. At the Kabore School in Ho, Assistant Headmistress Benedictor Bimpeh said the exercise has been smooth, with no reports of side effects or resistance from pupils or parents.

“Everything has gone on very well. The girls are calm, parents are supportive, and the health teams have been very professional. We also received good education before the vaccination, which helped to build confidence,” she said.

Several parents who spoke to journalists described the vaccination as a “timely and thoughtful intervention” that brings relief to many families worried about the long-term effects of cervical cancer.

Madam Juliana Kpodo, a parent in Ho, said she was initially hesitant but changed her mind after listening to the health officers.

“At first, I was afraid because of the rumors, but after the nurses explained everything, I understood. I’m happy my daughter has taken it. It will protect her in the future,” she shared.

The Volta Regional Health Directorate continues to urge parents to encourage their daughters to get vaccinated, assuring the public that the HPV vaccine has undergone rigorous approval processes by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and has been successfully used worldwide.

“We are protecting our future generation,” Dr. Dodor reiterated. “This is about saving lives, preventing future suffering, and giving our girls a healthy start.”

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