The World Health Organization (WHO) and Ghana’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) have called on the media to play a central role in shaping public understanding and countering misinformation ahead of the nationwide rollout of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

The said rollout is scheduled to happen from 7–15 October 2025.

At a media briefing in Accra, WHO Country Representative, Dr Fiona Braka, described the HPV vaccine as a lifesaving tool in the fight against cervical cancer, the second most common cancer affecting women in Ghana.

“Every year, Ghana records over 3,000 new cases of cervical cancer and about 1,700 deaths. These are not just numbers, they are mothers, daughters, and leaders lost too soon. Tragically, 70 percent of cases are detected late, making treatment difficult and costly,” she said.

Dr Braka explained that the HPV vaccine has been in global use since 2006, with over 140 countries, including 28 in Africa, already deploying it.

Ghana previously piloted the vaccine between 2013 and 2015 in three regions, which confirmed its safety and effectiveness.

“This vaccine offers our best hope to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, especially given the limited access to screening and treatment. Ghana’s strategy will target girls aged 9 to 14 years, reaching them early before exposure,” she added.

The WHO official outlined the global 90-70-90 strategy:

* 90% of girls vaccinated by age 15

* 70% of women screened by ages 35 and 45

* 90% of women with pre-cancer treated

She stressed that Ghana’s vaccination drive would be critical to meeting these targets, and urged journalists to act as “champions of evidence-based information,” countering disinformation and telling human-centered stories to inspire public trust.

Director of the Expanded Programme on Immunization, Dr. Selorm Kutsuatsi, gave further details on Ghana’s plan, warning that without urgent intervention, the country could see a fourfold increase in cervical cancer cases in the coming years.

Currently, about 3,000 women are diagnosed annually, 70% of whom die due to late detection and limited treatment options.

“This is someone’s mother, sister, wife, or breadwinner. The impact on families and communities is devastating. We cannot sit back and allow these numbers to worsen,” she cautioned.

Dr Kutsuatsi noted that Ghana has learned valuable lessons from two earlier pilots of the HPV vaccine. This year’s rollout will adopt a single-dose schedule using Gardasil 4, which protects against multiple high-risk HPV strains.

The campaign aims to vaccinate 2.46 million girls aged 9–14 in schools and communities within five days, after which the vaccine will become part of routine immunization for girls aged nine.

“This time, we are doing an age-based approach, not grade-based. Whether in school or out of school, every girl between 9 and 14 years is eligible. And with the single-dose schedule, once you take it, you’re protected for life,” he explained.

Call for national support

Officials highlighted that neighboring countries like Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso have already introduced the vaccine as part of routine immunization, and Ghana must not be left behind.

“This is not a new vaccine, it has been in Ghana’s private sector for years. What’s new is that it is now free and available nationwide. We urge parents, teachers, faith leaders, and the media to help ensure every eligible girl gets protected,” Dr Kutsuatsi said.

WHO pledged continued support for the government, having assisted with planning, training health workers, and developing communication strategies.

“Ghana is ready. The tools are available, the commitment is strong. Let us work together to protect our girls, empower communities, and build a healthier future,” Dr Braka concluded.