Ghana has taken a major leap in the fight against cervical cancer with the arrival of its first consignment of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, targeting the protection of girls aged nine to 14 years.

The initial shipment of 441,860 doses marks the beginning of a nationwide effort to prevent one of the most common and preventable cancers affecting women, a statement issued by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said on Wednesday.

Over the coming weeks, more than 2.5 million doses would be delivered to the country through support from UNICEF, which was leading procurement and delivery, it said.

The vaccines would be administered during a five-day national immunisation campaign scheduled for September 2025, led by the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

Following the campaign, the statement said the vaccine would be integrated into Ghana’s routine immunisation schedule under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) and offered free of charge to girls turning nine years.

“Cervical cancer, caused primarily by HPV infection, is the leading cancer among women in Ghana,” the statement said.

While the disease is highly preventable, lack of awareness, limited access to vaccination, and the cost of services had hindered prevention efforts.

“Making this vaccine available to all girls before they are exposed to the virus means they are protected early, reducing the health burden in adulthood,” it said.

Health experts say the introduction of the HPV vaccine into the national immunisation programme is a crucial milestone that will contribute to reducing cancer incidence and safeguarding the health of girls across the country.

Ghana joins over 140 countries that have incorporated the HPV vaccine into their national immunisation schedules, demonstrating a strong commitment to achieving universal health coverage and improving women’s health outcomes.

The nationwide rollout is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s efforts to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat and to empower the next generation of girls to grow into healthy women, mothers, and leaders.