Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated deaths amongst girls folks worldwide—despite being almost totally preventable. Every 365 days, over 600,000 girls folks are identified, and larger than 340,000 die from the disease globally. The burden is heaviest in low- and center-profits countries, in particular in sub-Saharan Africa, where nine out of ten cervical cancer deaths happen on account of cramped access to screening, early detection, and vaccination.
In Africa, cervical cancer is now no longer finest a health issue nonetheless a gender fairness disaster, cutting brief the lives of girls folks in their most efficient years and straining families, communities, and health methods. Ghana is now no longer any exception. The nation records an estimated 3,000 original cervical cancer cases and when it comes to 2,000 deaths every 365 days, many of which will be prevented thru timely Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.
In preserving with WHO’s world system to set away with cervical cancer as a public health issue, Ghana is making ready to introduce the HPV vaccine in September 2025, focusing on girls veteran 9 to 14 years thru a nationwide campaign, and thereafter into the routine immunization time table for women veteran 9 years.
As share of preparations for the rollout, the Ghana Successfully being Carrier, with increase from WHO and with funding from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, convened a National Training Stakeholder Engagement in Kumasi, aimed at galvanizing increase from the education sector, a key accomplice in reaching eligible girls and influencing community concept.
“Cervical cancer continues to advise too many lives, nonetheless HPV vaccination stays our finest chance at prevention. That’s why taking part education stakeholders this day is fundamental—to rally increase and offer protection to the long bustle of girls from cervical cancer”, mentioned Dr. Fiona Braka, WHO Representative in Ghana.
Colleges are on the heart of this campaign because of this of they provide negate access to the target age community—girls veteran 9 to 14 years. That is the age vary urged by WHO for HPV vaccination, ideally ahead of exposure to the virus. Most girls on this age bracket are enrolled in college, making educational institutions a strategic and efficient platform for vaccine offer, education, and advocacy. Lecturers and college administrators are furthermore relied on voices in their communities, capable of addressing issues, dispelling myths, and inspiring oldsters to consent to vaccination. By partnering with the education sector, the campaign can attain extra girls equitably, influence supportive environments for vaccine acceptance, and dispute the long-term success of cervical cancer prevention efforts.
The assembly brought collectively key actors from all 16 regions of the nation including Ghana Training Carrier, Ghana National Council of Private Colleges, Ghana National Affiliation of Private Colleges and building partners. Participants discussed how colleges and lecturers can transform important advocates in their communities—addressing misinformation, encouraging uptake, and making sure no lady is left in the again of.
“The HPV vaccine is now no longer proper a health campaign—it’s a nationwide accountability and investment into our nation’s future. Conserving girls this day means a extra wholesome expertise and a stronger health machine the next day”, emphasized Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, Ashanti Regional Director of the Ghana Successfully being Carrier.
“The increase of our communities’ hinges on how well we recommend and discuss the HPV vaccine, which is why this campaign is so fundamental. We totally increase it as a fundamental step in direction of preserving the health and future of our girls”, well-known Dr. William Kwame Amankrah Appiah, Ashanti Regional Director of Training.
With proper weeks to lunge ahead of the rollout, Ghana is intensifying efforts to create awareness, promote community ownership, and dispute readiness across all regions. The introduction of the HPV vaccine marks a turning point in the fight in opposition to cervical cancer—and the nation’s education sector is poised to be one of its strongest allies.
For Additional Files or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa
Communications Officer
WHO Ghana Country Office
Electronic mail: abdullahiea [at] who.int (abdullahiea[at]who[dot]int)
Tel: +233 20 196 2393
