Ghana has officially launched a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign aimed at protecting girls aged 9 to 14 years from cervical cancer. The campaign, which targets 2.4 million beneficiaries across the country, represents a historic milestone in Ghana’s efforts to eliminate one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers affecting women and girls.
Leading the launch, the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, described the initiative as a major step in achieving equitable healthcare delivery and advancing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s vision of free primary healthcare for all. He emphasized that although the HPV vaccine had previously been available in Ghana, its high cost placed it out of reach for many families. Under the new programme, the vaccine will be free and accessible to all eligible girls.
Hon. Akandoh highlighted that the vaccine offers the strongest protection when administered before exposure to the virus and announced that HPV vaccination would now be included in Ghana’s routine immunization schedule. He appealed to parents, guardians, and community leaders to support the campaign and ensure widespread participation, stressing that national unity is essential for its success.
Representing the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of the Public Health Division, reiterated the importance of the initiative, describing it as a promise to every girl in Ghana that her life and future matter. “This vaccination effort is about protecting the dreams and aspirations of our girls — dreams that could otherwise be threatened by cervical cancer,” he stated.
Chairing the launch, Prof. Smile Dzisi, Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, called the campaign a defining moment in Ghana’s collective effort to secure the health and future of its girls. She urged parents and guardians to ensure their daughters are vaccinated and encouraged the media to play an active role in promoting public awareness.
The event brought together representatives from civil society, faith-based organizations, and community groups — all united by a shared commitment to safeguarding the next generation of Ghanaian women.
In a symbolic show of confidence in the vaccine’s safety, Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu Dankwa, received the vaccine publicly, demonstrating leadership and assurance to parents across the nation.
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