The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has launched the National HPV Vaccination Campaign, a major milestone in the fight against cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of death among Ghanaian women.
The campaign, running for five days across all 16 regions, aims to vaccinate 2.4 million girls aged 9 to 14 years against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer.
Speaking at the launch, Akandoh described the initiative as “a historic step in women’s health” and a key part of President John Dramani Mahama’s Free Primary Health Care initiative, which focuses on prevention and equitable access to essential healthcare.
“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,” Hon. Akandoh said.
He explained that Ghana is introducing the Gardasil 4 vaccine, approved by the WHO and U.S. FDA, and proven safe and effective globally. The vaccine, which is free and available nationwide, will be delivered mainly through schools and community outreach to ensure all eligible girls are reached.
The Minister assured parents that the vaccine is safe and not linked to any conspiracy, urging all caregivers to get their daughters vaccinated. He added that Ghana’s rollout builds on earlier pilot programs and will be integrated into the routine immunization program after the campaign.
In a welcome address read on his behalf, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, said the initiative ensures equal access to life-saving healthcare.
“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 noted.
Chairing the launch, Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi described the campaign as “a defining moment in Ghana’s commitment to safeguard the health and future of girls.”
The Minister commended partners, including the WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, USAID, CDC, PATH, health workers, and the media, for their vital support.
The campaign will continue until Sunday, October 11, and the Ministry urges all parents and guardians to ensure that their daughters aged 9 to 14 are vaccinated.
