Health Minister Launches Free HPV Vaccination Campaign to Protect Ghanaian Girls from Cervical Cancer

Ghana’s Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has launched the National Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign, a landmark initiative targeting 2.4 million girls aged 9–14 years. The campaign, part of President John Mahama’s Free Primary Health Care initiative, aims to prevent cervical cancer — a disease that kills nearly 2,000 Ghanaian women each year.

Cervical cancer remains one of Ghana’s deadliest diseases affecting women. The HPV vaccine provides a powerful preventive measure that can drastically reduce future cases and save thousands of lives.

The five-day vaccination campaign — running from October 8 to October 11 across all 16 regions — will offer free Gardasil 4 vaccines, approved by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh described the program as “a historic step in women’s health”, emphasizing that it aligns with the government’s broader goal of achieving universal health coverage through preventive care.

“Each year, Ghana records nearly 3,000 new cases of cervical cancer and loses about 2,000 women. Today, we have a chance to change this story with one powerful solution — the HPV vaccine,” Mr. Akandoh stated during the launch.

Vaccinations will be administered primarily through schools and community outreach programs to ensure accessibility, especially for rural populations.

The Minister reassured parents that the HPV vaccine is both safe and effective, dismissing myths and misinformation circulating on social media. He added that the rollout follows successful pilot programs and will soon become part of Ghana’s routine immunization schedule.

Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, speaking on behalf of the Ghana Health Service, highlighted that the initiative represents a major victory for health equity.

“For over a decade, only those who could afford the HPV vaccine could get it. Today, it is free and available to every eligible girl. This is a victory for equity and prevention,” he said.

The event was chaired by Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi, who called it “a defining moment in Ghana’s commitment to safeguard the health and future of girls.

Minister Akandoh expressed gratitude to WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, USAID, CDC, PATH, health professionals, and the media for their collaboration in making the program possible.

The Ministry of Health is urging all parents and guardians to ensure that their daughters between 9 and 14 years receive the free vaccine before the campaign ends on Sunday, October 11.

“This vaccine is our shield against a preventable disease. Let’s protect our daughters today for a healthier tomorrow,” the Minister concluded.

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is the main cause of cervical cancer.
• It spreads through sexual contact, often with no symptoms.
• Vaccination before exposure (typically between ages 9–14) offers the best protection.
• The Gardasil 4 vaccine protects against the four most common cancer-causing HPV strains.

Ghana’s HPV vaccination drive positions the country as a leader in preventive women’s healthcare in Africa. Integrating the vaccine into routine immunization could help eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat within a generation.