HPV VACCINATION: "These vaccines are safe, not linked to any conspiracy" — Health Minister to parents

Ghana’s Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has firmly reassured parents that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is safe, effective, and scientifically backed, dismissing conspiracy theories and misinformation surrounding its use.

Speaking at the national launch of the HPV Vaccination Campaign held at the Osu Presbyterian Church in Accra, Hon. Akandoh emphasized the importance of the vaccine in the fight against cervical cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of death among women in Ghana.

“These vaccines are safe and not linked to any conspiracy,” the Minister said.

“They have undergone rigorous approval processes by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). I urge all parents and caregivers to allow their daughters to receive this life-saving vaccine.”

The campaign, which runs for five days across all 16 regions, targets the vaccination of 2.4 million girls aged 9 to 14 years — a critical age group identified by global health experts as the optimal window to build immunity before potential exposure to the virus through sexual activity.

“This is a historic step in women’s health and a bold demonstration of our government’s commitment to preventive healthcare and health equity,” Hon. Akandoh said.

He added that the rollout aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s Free Primary Health Care policy, aimed at improving access to essential services for all Ghanaians regardless of economic status.

According to the Minister, Ghana records close to 3,000 new cervical cancer cases annually, with approximately 2,000 deaths, most of which occur among women from low-income communities who previously could not afford the HPV vaccine.

The vaccine — Gardasil 4 — previously cost between GHS 1,000 to GHS 3,000 per dose, making it inaccessible for many.

“Today, we change that narrative,” he declared.

"Now every girl, whether her parents can afford it or not, has equal access to this critical preventive tool — and at no cost.”

In a welcome address delivered on his behalf, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, reinforced the equity and urgency of the campaign.

“For over a decade, the HPV vaccine was available only to those who could pay. Today, we’re ensuring it is available to every eligible girl in every district. This is a victory for health equity, public health, and our daughters’ future,” Prof. Kaba said.

He confirmed that the vaccine will be administered mainly through schools, health facilities, and community outreach teams, ensuring no eligible girl is left behind.

After the campaign period, the vaccine will be integrated into Ghana’s routine immunization schedule, making it a permanent part of national health strategy.

The Minister acknowledged that vaccine hesitancy and misinformation remain major obstacles but stressed that the campaign will also focus on public education and community engagement to address concerns.

“There is a lot of misinformation out there, particularly on social media, claiming that the vaccine causes infertility or other health issues. These are unfounded myths not backed by science,” Hon. Akandoh said.

“We need parents to be partners in this — to trust the science and prioritize their daughters’ future.”

He cited historical success stories with other vaccines such as those for polio, yellow fever, and COVID-19, as evidence of the power of immunization in saving lives and protecting public health.

Chairing the launch event, Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi, described the campaign as a “defining moment” in Ghana’s healthcare journey, saying it represented not just a medical intervention but a societal commitment to safeguarding the health of future generations.

“This is more than a vaccination campaign — it’s a national promise to our girls that we will protect them from preventable diseases, regardless of their background,” she said.

The Health Minister also commended international and local partners — including WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, USAID, CDC, PATH, and frontline health workers — for their technical and financial support in making the campaign possible.

The HPV Vaccination Campaign will run until Sunday, October 11, and the Ministry of Health is urging all parents and guardians of girls aged 9 to 14 years to take advantage of the opportunity and ensure their daughters are vaccinated.

“This is how we stop cervical cancer before it starts,” Hon. Akandoh said.

“The vaccine is free, safe, and available. Let’s protect our girls now.”.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith