When Myths Meet Medicine: Understanding the Science Behind HPV Vaccination

1. Myths and Misconceptions

Across Ghana and much of Africa, vaccination is often met with suspicion. Some believe vaccines are tools for the West to reduce or control Africa’s population. Others fear vaccines weaken the “natural strength” of Black people.

A common belief is that vaccines secretly reduce fertility or introduce chemicals that limit reproduction. Some claim vaccines are linked to hidden diseases, microchips, or toxins, while others argue that traditional herbs and diets are sufficient, making vaccines unnecessary.

In certain communities, parents worry vaccines may encourage early sexual activity or immoral behaviour. Some even think childhood vaccination interferes with religious or cultural rites of passage. Others are concerned about side effects they’ve heard through social media or community hearsay, such as long-term illness or sudden deaths — despite no scientific evidence supporting these claims.

Some believe Black skin and African genetics are “stronger” and do not need vaccines, or that vaccines are unnecessary because African children are naturally resilient. Others think giving vaccines to young girls encourages promiscuity.

These myths, while widespread, conflict with science. Vaccines strengthen the immune system, prevent deadly diseases, and save millions of lives. They do not reduce fertility, alter genes, or control populations.

2. HPV and the Vaccine

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral infection of the reproductive system. Types 16 and 18 cause about 70 per cent of cervical cancers, which kill over 2,000 Ghanaian women each year.

The HPV vaccine prevents infection by preparing the immune system to fight the virus before exposure. Vaccination acts like a safety shield, protecting children long before the virus can cause disease.

3. Africa’s Evidence

African countries show that HPV vaccination works.
According to PUBMED:

• Rwanda (2011 programme): School-based rollout achieved 93.23% coverage in grade-6 girls for the three-dose course.
  • The Lancet Global Health reported significant decreases in HPV types 16/18 among vaccinated cohorts.
• South Africa (2024 single-dose study): Single-dose coverage reached 72%, with HPV 16/18 prevalence falling by 35%.
• Zambia/Uganda pilot data: Implementation reviews noted early declines in HPV prevalence and cervical pre-cancerous changes after vaccine introduction in select districts.
• Botswana and Kenya: Achieved 70–80% uptake, with falling HPV infections in vaccinated girls.

These successes show that Africa can prevent cervical cancer effectively when vaccination programmes are well organised.

4. Global Proof: Lessons from the Western World

The HPV vaccine’s success is not limited to Africa.

• Australia:
  According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), after the HPV vaccine was introduced nationwide in 2007, HPV infections in young women dropped from 28.7% to 2.8%, and genital warts fell by over 90%. WHO predicts that Australia could wipe out cervical cancer by 2035.
• United Kingdom (England):
  WHO reports that girls who received the HPV vaccine at ages 12–13 since 2008 now have about 90% fewer cervical cancer cases than those unvaccinated (The Lancet, 2021).
• United States:
  The CDC states that since 2006, HPV 16/18 infections have fallen by 98% among vaccinated women, and about 70% even among unvaccinated women (CDC HPV Surveillance Report, 2023).

This proves that the vaccine works globally — and Africa is no exception.

5. Why Ghana Targets Girls Aged 9–16

Ghana vaccinates only girls aged 9–16 for biological and practical reasons:

• Biological timing: The cervix’s transformation zone is more exposed in younger girls, making early vaccination protective.
• Immunological advantage: Girls in this age group produce stronger, longer-lasting antibodies, requiring only two doses.
• School access: Most girls in this range are in upper primary or junior high, simplifying delivery and access.

Vaccinating girls ensures they are protected before sexual debut — critical for preventing cervical cancer later in life.

6. Addressing Fears

Some parents worry early vaccination encourages sexual activity. Research shows it does not. The vaccine is purely preventive — like giving a mosquito net before malaria season.

Building trust requires open conversations, respectful listening, and education by health workers, teachers, traditional leaders, and parents. Awareness campaigns that explain how the vaccine protects against cancer, not sexual behaviour, help reduce fear and improve uptake.

7. The Bigger Picture

Cervical cancer treatment is expensive and often inaccessible, especially in rural areas. HPV vaccination is cost-effective, prevents multiple HPV-related cancers, and protects girls for life.

Early vaccination saves lives, reduces healthcare costs, and builds healthier generations.

8. Conclusion

Vaccination should never be forced, but parents deserve informed choices. The HPV vaccine is proven, African-tested, and globally trusted.

By choosing vaccination today, Ghanaian parents protect their daughters and contribute to a future where cervical cancer becomes history — one child, one vaccine, and one healthy generation at a time.

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The writer is a Medical Doctor, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Advocate

By Dr. Michael Baah Biney,
Medical Doctor, SRHR Advocate, and Global Health Enthusiast

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