The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has urged parents and guardians to prioritize the health of their children by consenting to the ongoing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign.
The vaccine, which targets girls aged 9 to 14, is designed to protect against cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women globally.
Mr. Akandoh’s appeal follows reports that some parents have refused to sign consent forms for their children to receive the vaccine. He emphasized that the government has made significant investments to ensure all Ghanaian women are protected against the disease and encouraged parents to consult healthcare professionals to better understand the vaccine’s benefits.
Speaking to journalists in Accra on October 9, the Health Minister reiterated the safety of the HPV vaccine and dismissed widespread myths surrounding it.
“Government is spending a lot to ensure young women are protected against this deadly virus. It’s being done globally and even in other African countries. The vaccine is safe. Please get it for your girls and protect them,” he said, stressing that claims linking the vaccine to fertility problems or population control are entirely false.
Ghana’s nationwide HPV vaccination campaign aims to reach about 2.4 million girls. Once completed, the initiative will be incorporated into the country’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) to ensure sustained protection for future generations.
Cervical cancer, which is preventable, can be significantly reduced through early vaccination and continued public health awareness.
