Ghana has taken a historic leap in women’s health with the official launch of a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, aimed at p
Ghana has taken a historic leap in women’s health with the official launch of a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, aimed at protecting girls aged 9 to 14 years from one of the most preventable yet deadly diseases — cervical cancer.
The nationwide programme targets 2.4 million girls and marks the first time the vaccine has been made available for free as part of Ghana’s routine immunisation schedule.
The launch, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, signals a major milestone in the country’s long fight against cervical cancer — a disease that claims hundreds of Ghanaian women each year.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa, largely due to limited access to screening and preventive vaccination.
Leading the ceremony, Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh, hailed the vaccination programme as a victory for equity and preventive healthcare.
He said the government’s decision to make the HPV vaccine free aligns with President John Mahama’s vision of universal access to primary healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations.
“The HPV vaccine has always been available in Ghana, but at a high cost. Today, we are making it free and accessible to all girls aged between 9 and 14. This is an important step in ensuring that no girl loses her life to a preventable disease,” the Minister stated.
He explained that the vaccine offers maximum protection when administered before exposure to HPV, which is transmitted primarily through sexual contact.
The inclusion of the HPV vaccine in the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) is expected to guarantee long-term accessibility across the country.
Representing the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of the Public Health Division, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to protecting the lives and dreams of Ghanaian girls.
He said the nationwide vaccination is not only a medical intervention but also a promise of hope for the future.
“This vaccination campaign is a message to every girl in Ghana that her life and future matter. We are determined to ensure that cervical cancer does not cut short the dreams of our daughters,” Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe said.
Prof. Smile Dzisi, Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), who chaired the event, underscored the importance of collaboration between the health and education sectors to ensure the success of the campaign.
She encouraged parents, guardians, and teachers to allow and support their daughters to get vaccinated, while urging the media to use its platform to dispel misinformation and build public trust.
“This is a defining moment in our collective effort to safeguard the health and future of Ghanaian girls. Let us all play our part in ensuring every eligible girl is vaccinated,” Prof. Dzisi appealed.
In a symbolic gesture that underscored confidence in the safety of the vaccine, Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu Dankwa, voluntarily received the HPV shot at the event. Her action was widely applauded by attendees as a demonstration of leadership and reassurance to parents.
The launch event brought together key partners — including representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, civil society groups, faith-based organizations, and community leaders — all united by the shared goal of eliminating cervical cancer in Ghana.
Background
Cervical cancer, caused by persistent infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), is the second most common cancer among women in Ghana after breast cancer.
Health experts estimate that Ghana records over 3,000 new cases annually, with nearly half resulting in death due to late diagnosis and limited access to treatment.
The introduction of the HPV vaccine into the national immunisation programme has been a long-awaited development.
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