The acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has appealed to the public to support the rollout of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine as part of efforts to eliminate cervical cancer in Ghana.

Announcing the initiative, Dr Kaba urged parents and guardians to ensure that all girls between the ages of nine and 14 receive the vaccine, describing it as a critical step in reducing one of the country’s most pressing public health challenges.

“Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern in Ghana, with a high burden among women of reproductive age.

"It is the second most common cancer in women after breast cancer, and the leading cause of cancer deaths among women aged 15 to 44,” he said.

He revealed that more than 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually in Ghana, with only 40 per cent surviving, noting that an estimated 2,000 women die each year from the disease.

According to Dr Kaba, the introduction of the HPV vaccine will provide a highly effective preventive tool, particularly against cases linked to persistent HPV infections.

He said the vaccine rollout will begin with a campaign before being integrated into the country’s routine immunisation programme.

“This is a vital step towards reducing the burden of cervical cancer and moving closer to the global goal of eliminating the disease.

"I invite all of you to be part of this effort. Support the Ghana Health Service to ensure that all eligible girls, those aged 9 to 14 years, are vaccinated,” he added.