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