Ghana will target nine-year-old girls nationwide in a major Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive starting next month, abandoning a previous grade-based approach.
The campaign aims to protect young girls from cervical cancer, a leading cause of death among Ghanaian women. Health officials confirm over 2.5 million vaccine doses are secured through UNICEF, with the first shipment already received.
Dr. Selorm Kutsoati, Acting Programmes Manager for Ghana’s Expanded Programme on Immunization, stressed the vaccine’s proven safety and effectiveness. “It’s actually available here. People imported it themselves and administered it over the past decade,” she told 3news. The vaccine specifically targets strains prevalent in Ghana and is registered by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
Why the shift to age-based targeting? Dr. Kutsoati explained that cervical cancer now strikes younger women, with high mortality among those aged 25 to 44. Lessons from earlier school-based pilots showed age targeting improves coverage consistency. Extensive stakeholder consultations ensured communication materials meet cultural and scientific standards.
Beyond vaccination, Dr. Kutsoati acknowledged screening remains vital. Integrating HPV vaccines into routine immunization seeks long-term protection, empowering girls as future healthy women and leaders. The vaccine also prevents genital warts.
With 2,797 new cervical cancer cases and 1,699 deaths annually in Ghana, this campaign could dramatically reduce the disease burden. Distribution to regions begins immediately ahead of September’s rollout targeting approximately 2.26 million children.
