At the national launch held in Accra on Thursday, Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing the health and future of young Ghanaian girls. He assured the public of the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness, noting that it had been approved by both the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
“HPV is preventable, and we are ready to fight it,” Akandoh declared. He added that although the vaccine costs between GH¢1,000 and GH¢3,000 on the open market, the government is offering it free of charge to ensure that every eligible girl — particularly those in vulnerable communities — has access.
The minister explained that following a successful pilot phase between 2013 and 2018, the HPV vaccine would now form part of Ghana’s routine immunisation programme. The rollout targets girls aged 9 to 14 through schools, health facilities, and community outreach initiatives coordinated across the country.
UNICEF’s Development Partners Lead, Ms Paulina Saveilanti, described cervical cancer as a growing public health concern that claims more than 1,500 Ghanaian lives every year. She hailed the vaccination drive as a “life-saving solution,” noting that vaccinating 1,000 girls could prevent an estimated 17 deaths.
“The HPV vaccine is not only about health — it’s about dignity and the future of every Ghanaian girl,” Saveilanti said, adding that over 2.5 million doses had been secured to ensure full national coverage.
Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, emphasised the government’s determination to eliminate cervical cancer in the country.
“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable diseases, yet it continues to kill our women. Today, we promise every Ghanaian girl a future free from cervical cancer,” Prof. Kaba stated.
He called for nationwide unity and support to ensure the campaign’s success, urging parents, teachers, and community leaders to encourage full participation.
More than 140 countries have already introduced the HPV vaccine, achieving remarkable public health results. Ghana’s campaign will run for several months, supported by intensive public awareness efforts designed to reach every eligible girl across the country.