Cervical cancer remains one of the deadliest yet most preventable cancers for women globally, claiming over 340,000 lives each year. The burden is disproportionately high in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where limited access to screening and vaccination leads to nine out of ten cervical cancer deaths. In Ghana, an estimated 3,000 women are diagnosed annually, with nearly 2,000 deaths—a tragedy that could be largely avoided through early HPV vaccination and detection.
To combat this crisis, Ghana is set to introduce the HPV vaccine in September 2025 as part of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. The campaign will initially target girls aged 9 to 14 through a nationwide drive before integrating the vaccine into routine immunization for 9-year-olds. This effort is backed by the Ghana Health Service, WHO, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, with a recent stakeholder meeting in Kumasi rallying support from the education sector to ensure successful implementation.
Schools are central to the campaign’s success, providing direct access to the target age group and leveraging teachers as trusted community advocates. Dr. Fiona Braka, WHO Representative in Ghana, emphasized, “HPV vaccination is our best chance at prevention, and engaging educators is key to protecting girls’ futures.” The meeting brought together regional education leaders and health officials to strategize on overcoming vaccine hesitancy, dispelling myths, and ensuring high uptake. Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng of the Ghana Health Service called it “a national duty,” stressing that vaccinating girls today will lead to a healthier, stronger society tomorrow.
With the rollout just weeks away, Ghana is ramping up efforts to build public trust and readiness. Dr. William Kwame Amankrah Appiah, Ashanti Regional Director of Education, affirmed the sector’s commitment, calling the campaign “a critical step toward safeguarding our girls’ health.” By uniting health and education systems, Ghana is paving the way for a future where cervical cancer is no longer a leading threat to women’s lives—marking a transformative moment in public health for the nation.