Accra: Mr. Samuel Yao Atidzah, Executive Director of GOSANET Foundation, has emphasized that preventing girls from receiving the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine represents a significant injustice. He underlined the vaccine’s critical role as a lifesaving intervention that prevents infections and protects against cervical cancer.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Atidzah highlighted during a sensitization session at the Ho Central Mosque that the vaccination is safe, effective, and free. This initiative is part of GOSANET Foundation’s broader efforts, in collaboration with government and civil society partners, to enhance community health systems, promote immunization, and prevent diseases.

Mr. Atidzah urged parents and guardians, especially in Muslim communities, to ensure their daughters, aged nine to 14, receive the HPV vaccine, describing it as a “lifesaving opportunity” that could secure their future against cervical cancer. He emphasized the critical need to protect girls from cervical cancer, a leading cause of death among women in the country.

He noted that HPV infection is the most common cause of cervical cancer and that the vaccine offers strong protection when administered early. The nationwide vaccination drive, organized by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), is scheduled from October 7th to 11th, 2025, targeting girls aged nine to 14 years.

Post-campaign, the HPV vaccine will be integrated into Ghana’s routine immunization schedule for girls as soon as they turn nine. Mr. Atidzah mentioned that GOSANET Foundation, in partnership with the Ho Municipal Health Directorate of the GHS, is implementing GAVI CDS Year 3 activities in the Ho Municipality.

He reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to supporting immunization and health education to safeguard the well-being of women and children. Mr. Atidzah called on community, religious, and opinion leaders to advocate for the campaign by educating their congregations and community members about the benefits of the HPV vaccine.