GHS to begin nationwide cervical cancer vaccine drive for girls
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced the nationwide rollout of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for girls aged 9 to 14, starting September 2025.
The initiative, which will be free of charge, aims to dramatically reduce the incidence of cervical and other HPV-related cancers in the country.
The announcement was made at a press briefing held at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where Director-General of the GHS, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, described the vaccine as a “game-changer in cancer prevention.”
He noted, “It is estimated that the HPV vaccine may prevent 70 percent of cervical cancers, 80 percent of anal cancers, 60 percent of vaginal cancers, and is more than 90 percent effective in preventing HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers.”
Protecting Future Generations
The upcoming campaign builds on a pilot project launched in 2013, which administered the HPV vaccine in Greater Accra, Central, and Northern regions. Now, twelve years later, the GHS says it is fully prepared to extend the vaccination to all 16 regions.
“By vaccinating girls aged 9 to 14, we are giving them a head start toward a healthier, cancer-free adulthood. We are confident in our preparedness and in the safety of the vaccine,” Prof. Akoriyea indicated.
He reiterated that the vaccine has been thoroughly tested and found to be safe and well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects reported globally.
Target: 2.46 Million Girls Nationwide
The vaccination drive is being rolled out in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and targets an estimated 2,463,889 girls across the country.
Dr. Naziru Tanko Mohammed, Deputy Program Manager of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), outlined the logistical details and affirmed that the vaccine requires only one dose for full protection, a revision from earlier multi-dose regimens.
“All logistics have been finalized. The vaccines are currently stored in the national cold room and will soon be distributed to regional cold rooms to ensure safe and effective storage before deployment,” Dr. Mohammed noted.
He urged parents and guardians to fully support the initiative, emphasizing that school authorities have been briefed and will collaborate with health workers to ensure smooth implementation.
Cervical Cancer: A Major Public Health Threat
Cervical cancer is currently the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Ghana, according to the GHS. The root cause of most cervical cancer cases is HPV infection, which is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact.
Medical experts have long advocated vaccination before the onset of sexual activity to offer maximum protection. The age group 9 to 14 years is therefore considered ideal for immunization.
“This is not just about preventing cancer. It is about equity, access, and giving every girl in Ghana a fighting chance at a healthy future,” Dr. Mohammed stated.
Nationwide Sensitization and Community Mobilization
The Ghana Health Service said it will intensify public education campaigns in both urban and rural areas to dispel myths and encourage participation.
Parents and caregivers are urged to cooperate with health workers and school officials when the rollout begins in September.
“We are appealing to community leaders, the media, religious leaders, and all stakeholders to support this campaign. Together, we can make HPV-related cancers a thing of the past in Ghana,” Prof. Akoriyea said.
