Ghana is set to roll out a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination exercise targeting girls aged 9–14 years in 2025, according to the Ghana Health Service (GHS). HPV is a small, non-enveloped DNA virus that infects skin or mucosal cells, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

0

The virus is highly transmissible, with most individuals acquiring an infection at some point in their lives, particularly soon after the onset of sexual activity. The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ghana Health Service, Jacob Acquah Andoh, confirmed that the national exercise will commence next year, with a specific timeline to be announced in due course.

1

He assured that comprehensive plans are being developed to ensure the smooth implementation of the vaccination exercise. This was revealed during a stakeholder meeting held on Thursday, December 5, supported by UNICEF Ghana. The meeting focused on implementing effective Social and Behavior Change (SBC) strategies to ensure the successful rollout of the HPV vaccine.

2

Key discussions centered on addressing myths and misconceptions about the vaccine, which have been identified as potential barriers to its acceptance. Dr. Kwame Amponsa-Achiano, Programme Manager for the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), outlined the history and rollout process of the vaccine in Ghana. He noted that the HPV vaccine was piloted in two phases between 2013 and 2015.

3

The initial phase targeted in-school children, while the second phase included both in-school and out-of-school girls.

Building on lessons learned from these pilots, the national rollout will adopt an age-based strategy focused on girls aged 9–14 years to ensure equitable coverage and protection. Stakeholders and partners at the meeting pledged their support, including logistical and

4

technical assistance, to ensure the success of the program. HPV types 16 and 18, classified as "high-risk" genotypes, are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide. Additionally, types 6 and 11, known as "low-risk" genotypes, cause genital warts, a condition that significantly affects quality of life.

5

Cervical cancer, the most serious clinical consequence of HPV infection, remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women, with approximately 250,000 deaths recorded annually worldwide, according to the National Institute of Health. To combat this, two prophylactic HPV vaccines—a bivalent and a tetravalent vaccine—have been available since 2006.

6

The rollout of the HPV vaccination program in Ghana represents a critical step toward reducing the burden of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases, particularly in developing countries where the prevalence remains high.

7