Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has officially launched the National Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign aimed at eliminating cervical cancer.

During the ceremony on Wednesday, October 8, the Minister described it as “a historic step in women’s health” and a key part of President John Mahama’s Free Primary Health Care initiative.

The five-day campaign, running across all 16 regions, seeks to vaccinate 2.4 million girls aged 9 to 14 years against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer.

“Each year, Ghana records nearly 3,000 new cases of cervical cancer and loses about 2,000 women. Today, we have a chance to change this story with one powerful solution, the HPV vaccine,” Mr Akandoh said.

He explained that Ghana is introducing the Gardasil 4 vaccine, approved by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The vaccine, which is free and available nationwide, will be administered mainly through schools and community outreach to ensure all eligible girls are covered.

The Minister reassured parents that the vaccine is safe and effective, dismissing myths and misinformation surrounding it.

He added that Ghana’s nationwide rollout follows successful pilot programs and will be integrated into the country’s routine immunization schedule after the campaign.

In a message delivered on behalf of the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, he stated that the initiative promotes equality in healthcare access.

“For over a decade, only those who could afford the HPV vaccine could get it. Today, it is free and available to every eligible girl. This is a victory for equity and prevention,” he said.

Chairing the launch, Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi described the campaign as “a defining moment in Ghana’s commitment to safeguard the health and future of girls.”

The Health Minister expressed appreciation to partners, including the WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, USAID, CDC, PATH, health workers, and the media, for their continued support in making the program possible.

The campaign runs until Sunday, October 11, and the Ministry of Health is urging all parents and guardians to ensure that their daughters between 9 and 14 years receive the free HPV vaccine to protect them against cervical cancer.