HPV vaccination: Western North will over-vaccinate 6,000 girls
The Western North Regional Health Directorate has announced intentions to vaccinate around 63,400 girls aged 9 to 14 years against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as part of the nationwide HPV vaccine program.
HPV is a virus that spreads primarily via skin-to-skin contact and is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted illnesses. The virus can cause cervical cancer, which is one of the most common diseases among women.
The nationwide program, backed by the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, aims to prevent young girls from contracting HPV infection before they are exposed to the virus.
The Western North Region's activities were formally initiated at Watico Demonstration Basic School and John Bitah Preparatory School in Sefwi Wiawso.
Dr. Paulina Clara Appiah, Regional Health Director, led a team of health authorities that educated kids on the necessity of the HPV vaccine. She stated that cervical cancer is one of the most common malignancies among women, yet it is entirely avoidable with early immunization and screening.
Dr. Appiah recommended that all girls aged 9 to 14 get the vaccination to safeguard themselves against future diseases.
She highlighted that any girl who misses the immunization exercise at school can get the vaccine from the nearby Child Welfare Clinic. The Regional Health Directorate also informed the public that the HPV vaccination is safe and has been used effectively in other regions of the country with no adverse health effects.
Mr. Seth Boateng, Regional Director of Education, advised children to take vaccinations seriously and to educate their parents and friends about the benefits of the vaccine.
He stated that some parents believe the vaccine causes health concerns, but explained that the vaccine really helps prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related illnesses.
Mr. Wilbert Petty Brentu, the Western North Regional Minister, also urged parents to allow their girls to be vaccinated. He emphasized that the vaccination protects young girls' reproductive health and prevents future issues like cervical cancer, which can harm the womb and endanger women's lives.
The regional campaign, which began on October 9, 2025, gathered together representatives from the Regional Health Directorate, the Regional Education Directorate, and the Regional Coordinating Council.
The collaborative endeavor is part of a larger national drive to minimize cervical cancer incidence and boost adolescent health in Ghana.