Ghana Launches HPV Vaccine Drive to Combat Cervical Cancer
Nationwide campaign targets girls aged 9-14 to prevent nearly preventable disease
Cervical cancer, a largely preventable disease, remains a significant global health threat, particularly for women in low- and middle-income countries. Ghana is stepping up its efforts to combat this crisis by introducing the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in September 2025.
A Preventable Tragedy
Globally, hundreds of thousands of women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, with a tragic number succumbing to the disease. This burden is disproportionately felt in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where access to screening, early detection, and vaccination is limited. In Ghana alone, an estimated 3,000 new cases and nearly 2,000 deaths occur each year, highlighting the critical need for preventative measures like HPV vaccination.
Schools as a Strategic Hub
In alignment with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) strategy to eliminate cervical cancer, Ghana will conduct a nationwide vaccination campaign targeting girls aged 9 to 14. Following this initial push, the vaccine will be integrated into the routine immunization schedule for 9-year-old girls. Schools have been identified as a crucial platform for this initiative, providing direct access to the target age group, most of whom are enrolled in educational institutions. This strategy leverages schools not only for vaccine delivery but also for education and advocacy, as teachers and administrators are trusted community voices capable of addressing parental concerns and dispelling misinformation.
“Cervical cancer continues to claim too many lives, but HPV vaccination remains our best chance at prevention. That’s why engaging education stakeholders today is vital—to rally support and protect the future of girls from cervical cancer.”
—Dr. Fiona marriage, WHO Representative in Ghana
Mobilizing for a Healthier Future
Preparations for the vaccine rollout are well underway, with the Ghana Health Service, supported by the WHO and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, hosting a National Education Stakeholder Engagement in Kumasi. This meeting convened representatives from across all 16 regions, including key educational bodies like the Ghana Education Service and various private school associations. The discussions focused on how schools and educators can serve as powerful advocates, counteracting misinformation and ensuring widespread vaccine uptake.
“The HPV vaccine is not just a health campaign—it’s a national duty and investment into our nation’s future. Protecting girls today means a healthier generation and a stronger health system tomorrow.”
—Dr. Fred Adapo-Teach, Ashanti Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service
“The support of our communities’ hinges on how well we advocate and communicate about the HPV vaccine, which is why this campaign is so important. We fully support it as a critical step toward protecting the health and future of our girls.”
—Dr. William Kwame Amankrah Appiah, Ashanti Regional Director of Education
The introduction of the HPV vaccine represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s fight against cervical cancer. With intensive awareness-building and community engagement efforts underway, the nation is poised to leverage its education sector as a cornerstone in safeguarding the health and future of its young girls.
