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Ghana has launched a nationwide vaccination campaign targeting 2.2 million girls aged 9 to 14 in an effort to combat Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer in women.
The vaccination campaign is being carried out in schools and health facilities across all 16 regions. Health authorities say the initiative is in response to increasing cases of HPV-related cancers and is aligned with global strategies to eliminate cervical cancer.
HPV is mainly transmitted through oral, vaginal, and anal sex, and in some cases through deep kissing. It is a major cause of cervical cancer and has also been linked to anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and throat cancers.
According to the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the campaign will begin in high-risk districts, especially those with low cervical cancer screening rates. The vaccine is being administered free of charge and supported by the Ministry of Health in partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and other international health organizations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends HPV vaccination for girls before they become sexually active, citing it as the most effective way to prevent HPV-related cancers.
Despite the vaccine’s proven safety and effectiveness, health authorities are facing resistance due to misinformation. The Ghana Education Service (GES) is working with schools and parent groups to encourage participation and clarify misconceptions about the vaccine.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Ghana, with an estimated 3,000 new cases and about 2,000 deaths each year, according to WHO statistics.
The GHS has deployed monitoring teams to track vaccination coverage and is collaborating with religious groups, media outlets, and community leaders to intensify public awareness efforts. Parents and guardians are being advised to ensure that eligible girls receive the full vaccine regimen for maximum protection.
