In a major step toward safeguarding the health of young girls and securing the nation’s future, the Eastern Regional Health Directorate has officially launched a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign. This life-saving initiative targets girls aged 9 to 14 and aims to break the cycle of cervical cancer — a preventable disease that continues to claim the lives of many women in Ghana.
The campaign, which runs from Tuesday, October 7 to Saturday, October 11, 2025, will be rolled out simultaneously across all 33 districts in the Eastern Region. Spearheaded by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the initiative is expected to reach thousands of girls, offering them a better chance at a healthy, cancer-free life.
But the campaign is about more than just vaccines. It’s also a powerful push to raise awareness — urging parents, teachers, community leaders, and the youth to recognize the importance of this preventive measure and support it fully.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Damian Punguyire, Eastern Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, emphasized the devastating impact of cervical cancer in Ghana.
“Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Ghana. It destroys families, takes away mothers, sisters, and daughters, and puts immense pressure on our already stretched health system,” he said.
Dr. Punguyire expressed gratitude for the support received from the Ministry of Health, development partners, the media, and traditional and religious leaders, whose collaboration has been vital to preparing for the vaccination rollout.
He urged parents and guardians to embrace the campaign and protect the girls in their care.
“To parents and guardians, I encourage you to support your daughters, nieces, and granddaughters to take the vaccine. It is one of the most meaningful gifts of protection you can give them.”
He added that this launch is not just a ceremonial event but a collective call to action.
“Let us stand united, speak with one voice, and act with one purpose — to protect the health of our girls and secure the future of our region and our nation.”
Dr. Punguyire also advised families to promptly report any side effects experienced after the vaccination to the nearest health facility for immediate attention.
Also lending his voice to the campaign, Nana Odame Boadu Ayeboafo, Mawurehene of Koforidua-Asokore, reassured the public of the vaccine’s safety and called on parents to ensure their daughters receive it.
“The HPV vaccine is safe, and it is our duty to protect our girls from this preventable disease. We must come together as a community to eliminate cervical cancer from our region and the country as a whole,” he said.
The launch marks a critical milestone in Ghana’s fight against cervical cancer and reflects a shared commitment to building a healthier, stronger future for generations to come.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Nhyiraba Solomon Nartey
