Ghana Health Service starts free HPV vaccination against cervical cancer 

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has begun a free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign targeting girls aged nine to 14, with vaccines administered in schools, health centres and designated vaccination sites to help prevent cervical cancer. 

The HPV vaccine is a crucial tool in preventing certain types of cancers and diseases caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), offering protection particularly, against cervical cancer, which affects the lower part of the womb. 

Ms. Adwoa Anima, a health worker at the Manhyia Government hospital in Kumasi, explained to the Ghana News Agency during a school vaccination exercise that, HPV was the most common cause of cervical cancer, emphasizing that HPV was a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) and the free vaccine was primarily targeted at young girls before they become sexually active.  

She highlighted that the HPV vaccine had key benefits as it offered strong protection when given before any exposure to the Virus and helped in the prevention of infections and other deadly diseases. 

Statistics released by the GHS indicate that over 2,797 women in Ghana are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, with only about 40 per cent surviving and cervical cancer being the second most common cancer among women, she added. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the vaccine is recommended as part of routine immunization for girls when they turn nine years, along with other preventive measures, as the vaccine is safe, effective and free for girls aged nine to 14years. 

Ms. Anima said the vaccine was not for sale for the targeted age group. 

She said adults, who wish to be vaccinated can go to a nearby hospital for it, urging parents and guardians to help, teach and advice their daughters to get vaccinated as it would go a long way to prevent and curb cervical cancer and other deadly diseases.  

Source: GNA 

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