The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has started a free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign targeting girls aged nine to 14, with vaccines administered in schools, health centres, and designated vaccination sites to help prevent cervical cancer. 

The HPV vaccine is a crucial tool in preventing certain types of cancers and diseases caused by the Human Papillomavirus, offering protection particularly against cervical cancer, which affects the lower part of the womb. 

A health worker at the Manhyia Government Hospital in Kumasi, Adwoa Anima, explained to the Ghana News Agency during a school vaccination exercise that HPV is the most common cause of cervical cancer, emphasising that HPV is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) and the free vaccines are primarily targeted at young girls before they become sexually active.  

She highlighted that the HPV vaccine has key benefits as it offers strong protection when given before any exposure to the virus and helps in the prevention of infections and other deadly diseases. 

Statistics released by the GHS indicate that over 2,797 women in Ghana are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, with only about 40 per cent surviving and cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the vaccine is recommended as part of routine immunization for girls when they turn nine years, along with other preventive measures, as the vaccine is safe, effective, and free for girls aged nine to 14years. 

Ms. Anima said the vaccine is not for sale for the targeted age group. 

She said adults, who wish to be vaccinated, can go to a nearby hospital for it, urging parents and guardians to help, teach and advice their daughters to get vaccinated as it would go a long way to prevent and curb cervical cancer and other deadly diseases.