The Western North Regional Health Directorate has announced plans to vaccinate about 63,400 girls between the ages of 9 and 14 years against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as part of the national HPV vaccination campaign.
HPV is a virus transmitted mainly through skin-to-skin contact and is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. The virus can cause cervical cancer, which is one of the leading cancers affecting women. The national campaign, supported by the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, aims to protect young girls from HPV infection before they are exposed to the virus.
In the Western North Region, the exercise was officially launched at Watico Demonstration Basic School and John Bitah Preparatory School in Sefwi Wiawso. The Regional Health Director, Dr. Paulina Clara Appiah, led a team of health officials to educate students about the importance of the HPV vaccine. She explained that cervical cancer is one of the top cancers affecting women but is completely preventable through early vaccination and screening.
Dr. Appiah urged all girls between the ages of 9 and 14 to take the vaccine to protect themselves from future infections. She emphasized that any girl who misses the vaccination exercise in school can visit the nearest Child Welfare Clinic to receive the vaccine. The Regional Health Directorate also assured the public that the HPV vaccine is safe and has been used successfully in other parts of the country without any health complications.
The Regional Director of Education, Mr. Seth Boateng, encouraged students to take the vaccination exercise seriously and also educate their parents and peers about the benefits of the vaccine. He noted that some parents have misconceptions about the vaccine causing health problems, but clarified that the vaccine rather helps prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related conditions.
The Western North Regional Minister, Mr. Wilbert Petty Brentu, also appealed to parents to allow their daughters to be vaccinated. He highlighted that the vaccine protects the reproductive health of young girls and prevents future complications such as cervical cancer, which can damage the womb and threaten women’s lives.
The regional campaign, launched on October 9, 2025, brought together officials from the Regional Health Directorate, Regional Education Directorate, and the Regional Coordinating Council. The joint effort is part of a national initiative to reduce cervical cancer cases and promote adolescent health across Ghana.
