Journalists at the training
Ghana Health Service (GHS) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) is introducing the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination for girls between the ages of 9 and 14 years nationwide.
The HPV Vaccination is to fight against cervical cancer, particularly in girls starting from October 7, 2025.
Speaking at a media training, the country representative for WHO, Dr. Fiona Braka explained that cervical cancer is among top most cancers that affect women globally.
She stated that about 1,600 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer daily globally, with about 50% losing their lives due to this illness.
She stressed that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women in Ghana, adding that about 3,000 new cases and about 1,700 deaths are recorded every year.
According to Dr. Braka, about 70% of the cases are detected late, emphasising that the cost of treatment contributes to the devastation that affects women.
She stated that HPV affects 80% of sexually active individuals by the age of 45, noting that the HPV vaccines offer protection against the disease.
She lauded Ghana for introducing the vaccines, add that the HPV vaccines will join the list of immunsations in the country in order to support the global and national goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.
Dr. Fiona highlighted that the strategy recommended by WHO to tackle the disease is the 90-70-90 strategy ̶ 90% of the girls will be vaccinated by the age of 15 with 70% of the women screened for cervical cancer by age of 35 and 45 and the other 90% of women who will be found with precancerous lesions will receive timely treatment which will eliminate the disease by the said time.
She stressed that the HPV vaccine is not new since it has been in use globally since 2006 with over 140 countries around the world using it, including 28 African countries.
She stated that WHO is remains committed help the country in the fight against cervical cancer.
Extended Programme on Immunisation Manager of GHS, Dr. Selorm Kutsoati, xplained that HPV is the necessary cause for the development of cervical cancer, stating that about 99% of the cases are caused by the high-risk HPV.
She emphasised that the early age of cervical cancer is quite asymptomatic thus women do not develop symptoms at all but will have signs such as unusual vaginal bleeding, pain during intercourse, weight loss, increased or foul smelling vaginal discharge and tiredness at the advanced stage.
She urged the media to educate the public and counter misinformation and disinformation regarding the HPV vaccination.
BY Florence Asamoah Adom