The Government of Ghana has received its first consignment of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine—marking a significant step in the fight against cervical cancer.
The initial shipment, consisting of 441,860 doses, arrived this week and signals the start of a nationwide vaccination rollout aimed at reducing cases of cervical cancer; one of the most common and preventable cancers affecting women.
Over the coming weeks, UNICEF, which is leading the procurement and delivery process, will supply over 2.5 million doses of the HPV vaccine to Ghana.
A statement by UNICEF – the lead agency responsible for procuring and shipping of these vaccines said the vaccines will support a five-day national immunization campaign in September 2025, spearheaded by the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
After the campaign, the HPV vaccine will be included in Ghana’s national routine immunization programme, offered free of charge to all girls aged 9 years.
This move aligns Ghana with more than 140 countries that have already incorporated the HPV vaccine into their health systems.
Cervical cancer is largely caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV. Although highly preventable, many women in low- and middle-income countries face barriers to early detection and vaccination due to limited awareness, accessibility, and affordability.
“Despite being one of the most easily preventable forms of female cancers, efforts towards cervical cancer control are hindered by a lack of knowledge about the disease, risk factors, poor access to preventive services including vaccination, and the affordability of these services. The inclusion of the HPV vaccine in the national Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) is a significant step in the right direction” part of the Statement by UNICEF read.
The introduction of the HPV vaccine into Ghana’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) is expected to dramatically reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in the years to come, safeguarding the well-being and future of millions of girls.
“Preventing cervical cancer allows girls to grow into healthy women, mothers, and leaders, contributing meaningfully to society” the statement added.