Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has dismissed as “false and dangerous” claims circulating on social media that cast doubt on the safety of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
He cautioned that such misinformation undermines public confidence in vaccines that play a critical role in preventing serious illnesses.
Speaking at the official launch of the national HPV Vaccination Campaign in Osu on Wednesday, October 8, Mr. Akandoh appealed to parents and guardians to ensure that children—particularly girls between the ages of 9 and 14—receive the vaccine to help reduce the risk of cervical cancer in Ghana.
He urged the public to ignore conspiracy theories and misleading narratives about the vaccine.
“Anytime there’s an introduction of a new vaccine, then the conspiracy theories start, and it has already started. Let me assure you that this HPV vaccine is safe and effective. Ghana is not the first country to administer the HPV vaccine; we’re joined by other African countries,” he said.
Mr. Akandoh emphasized that the vaccine has been thoroughly vetted and approved by both Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). “This is just the beginning of H.E. President Mahama’s free primary healthcare to give preventive healthcare its real meaning,” he added.
The minister further announced that the HPV vaccine will be integrated into Ghana’s routine immunization programme to guarantee long-term access and nationwide coverage.
Leave a Reply