A coalition of traditional leaders, educators, journalists, local government officials, and health professionals in the Ahafo Region has launched an ambitious health drive to shield nearly 40,000 young girls from one of the world’s most preventable yet devastating diseases - cervical cancer.

The campaign, spearheaded by the Ahafo Regional Health Directorate, aims to vaccinate 39,772 girls aged nine to 14 against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) - the virus responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancer cases.

At a community durbar in Kenyasi, parents, teachers, and chiefs gathered to mark the beginning of what health officials describe as a “historic step” toward a cancer-free generation.

“Our traditional leaders will move from town to town, from classroom to classroom, ensuring every eligible girl gets her shot,” said Baffour Adjei Fofie, Akwamuhene of the Hwediem Traditional Council, underscoring the cultural backing for the effort.

By the close of the first day, over 7,000 girls had already received the vaccine - a remarkable start toward achieving the region’s target.

The Ghana Education Service (GES) is playing a key role in the five-day campaign, ensuring schools serve as vaccination hubs and information centres.

“Our goal is full coverage,” said Appiah Kubi, Ahafo Regional School Health Education Programme (SHEP) Coordinator. “No girl should be left behind — not in the towns, not in the remote farming communities.”

Health officials say collaboration with schools is crucial, as teachers often serve as trusted voices in communities where misconceptions about vaccines can delay uptake.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Akosua Agyeiwaa Owusu-Sarpong, Ahafo Regional Director of Health Service, reaffirmed the vaccine’s safety and its proven effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer.

“This vaccine is safe, approved by the World Health Organisation, and capable of saving thousands of lives,” she said. “We are not just vaccinating girls — we are protecting future mothers, professionals, and leaders.”

Dr Owusu-Sarpong encouraged parents to ensure their daughters get vaccinated before the campaign ends on October 11, calling the HPV jab “a gift of prevention no child should miss.”

At the Kenyasi No. 2 D/A Girls Basic School, a 13-year-old student heaved a sigh of relief after receiving her shot.

“I’m happy because they said this will keep me healthy when I grow up,” she said proudly.

Health experts emphasise that HPV vaccination is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions — a simple injection that can prevent a cancer claiming over 340,000 women worldwide each year, according to the World Health Organisation.

In Ghana, cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women, but health officials believe that with sustained vaccination campaigns, education, and screening, the country can reverse that trend.