Kumasi: Ghana has officially joined over 140 countries globally that have introduced the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into their routine immunisation programme. The move is seen as a critical step in the country's efforts to eliminate cervical cancer and safeguard the health of adolescent girls.
According to Ghana News Agency, a stakeholder engagement was held in Kumasi ahead of the rollout to raise awareness about cervical cancer burden and HPV vaccine introduction in Ghana. The event brought together Regional Directors of Education and School Health Education Programme (SHEP) Coordinators to update their knowledge on cervical cancer and the HPV vaccination campaign.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, claiming the lives of over 300,000 women annually, with sub-Saharan Africa experiencing the highest burden. In Africa, more than 70% of cervical cancer cases are diagnosed at late stages, leading to poor treatment outcomes and significant impacts on families and health systems.
Dr. Fiona Braka, World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative, noted that Ghana's commitment aligns with the global goal to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat, in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 3.4. She highlighted the WHO's '90-70-90' targets, aiming for 90% of girls to be fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15, 70% of women to be screened at ages 35 and 45, and 90% of women with cervical disease to receive appropriate treatment by 2030.
The vaccine will be administered to girls aged 9-14, primarily through school-based delivery systems. Dr. Braka praised the existing School Health Programme in Ghana, which has previously delivered interventions such as Girls' Iron-Folate Supplementation (GIFTS) and mass drug administration for neglected tropical diseases. She emphasized that the introduction of the HPV vaccine presents an opportunity to further strengthen school-based health services.
She also urged media practitioners to disseminate accurate, science-based information and counter misinformation that could hinder vaccine acceptance. 'Your role is indispensable. Share human-centered stories that highlight the impact of HPV vaccination and give health experts platforms to educate the public,' she said.
Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, the Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services, remarked that partners in the education sector were powerful agents of community influence and trust. He stated that the participants were united by a shared goal to protect the health and future of adolescent girls in the country. The introduction of the HPV vaccine, he added, offers a unique opportunity to protect girls before they are exposed to the virus causing the disease. 'The Ghana Health Service has scheduled to vaccinate all girls aged 9-17 years against cervical cancer and give them a head start towards a healthier cervical cancer-free adulthood,' he concluded.