Ghana has officially launched a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to eliminate cervical cancer and improve women’s health.
The initiative, launched by the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, on Wednesday, October 8, forms a key part of President John Mahama’s Free Primary Health Care initiative and is expected to vaccinate 2.4 million girls aged 9 to 14 years across all 16 regions over the next five days.
Describing the campaign as “a historic step in women’s health”, Mr. Akandoh highlighted the urgent need for preventive action.
“Each year, Ghana records nearly 3,000 new cases of cervical cancer and loses about 2,000 women. Today, we have a chance to change this story with one powerful solution — the HPV vaccine,” the minister said.
Ghana is introducing the Gardasil 4 vaccine, which is approved by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The vaccine is being offered free of charge and will be administered through schools and community outreach programmes to ensure all eligible girls are reached.
The minister reassured parents and guardians that the vaccine is safe and effective, urging them to dismiss misinformation and myths surrounding HPV vaccination. He explained that after the five-day campaign, the vaccine will be integrated into Ghana’s routine immunisation schedule, ensuring continued access for future generations.
Delivering a message on behalf of the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea said the initiative represents a significant victory for equity in healthcare access.
“For over a decade, only those who could afford the HPV vaccine could get it. Today, it is free and available to every eligible girl. This is a victory for equity and prevention,” he stated.
Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi, who chaired the launch, hailed the vaccination drive as “a defining moment in Ghana’s commitment to safeguard the health and future of girls.”
The Ministry of Health expressed gratitude to key partners, including the WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, USAID, CDC, PATH, health workers, and the media for their support in making the nationwide rollout possible.
The campaign runs until Sunday, October 11, and the ministry is calling on all parents and guardians to ensure their daughters between 9 and 14 years receive the free HPV vaccine, which protects against the leading cause of cervical cancer.
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