Ghana is set to roll out a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign targeting girls between the ages of 9 and 14, in a landmark effort to prevent cervical cancer.

The vaccine will be provided free of charge under the government’s expanded immunisation programme.

Health experts say the introduction of the HPV vaccine will significantly reduce cervical cancer cases, which remain one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Ghana.

Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Fiona Braka, World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative to Ghana, highlighted the broader benefits of the vaccine.

“The HPV vaccine will not only prevent cervical cancer but also help reduce other cancers such as anal, oral, and penile cancers,” she said.

Although the current campaign is focused on girls, experts have called for future advocacy to extend vaccination to boys, noting that while herd immunity from vaccinating girls provides indirect protection, direct immunisation of boys would further strengthen public health outcomes.

Public health specialists have also underscored the need to tackle misconceptions about the vaccine.

They stressed that community education on its safety and effectiveness will be critical to gaining parental trust and ensuring high coverage across the country.

The campaign is expected to mark a major step forward in safeguarding the health of future generations, reducing preventable deaths, and advancing Ghana’s fight against cancer.