By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Bolgatanga, Oct. 09, GNA – The Upper East Regional Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has commenced a six-day vaccination exercise against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) across basic schools in the Region.
Health professionals in the region visited schools and communities to administer the vaccines free of charge to eligible girls, age nine to 14 years in the ongoing exercise, which commenced with registration on October 7, 2025, followed by the vaccination expected to end on October 12.
Eligible pupils in various schools received a single dose of the Gardasil four vaccine intended to prevent them from cervical cancer and pre-cancerous lesions caused by the HPV.
Dr Braimah Baba Abubakari, the Regional Director of the GHS in a speech read on his behalf at a sensitisation meeting with management, teachers and pupils of the Great Victory Academy at the Bolgatanga Municipality prior to the vaccination exercise, said the disease had silently claimed the lives of many women in Ghana and across the world.
He explained that cervical cancer was caused mainly by the HPV saying, “This virus is very common and can infect anyone. However, persistent infection with certain types of HPV can lead to cervical cancer later in life.
“The good news is that we now have a safe and effective vaccine that can protect girls from getting infected with the virus, and by doing so, we prevent cervical cancer before it ever starts,” he said.
Dr Abubakari said the Ministry of Health and the GHS with the support of their partners including the WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi introduced the vaccine into the national immunisation programme, to protect the eligible girls from the disease.
He said at the eligible age, the body produced stronger immune response, which offered them long-term protection, “So, the HPV vaccine is not only a health intervention; it is an investment in the future health and well-being of our young girls, our future mothers, leaders, and professionals.”
The Director said, “We are committed to reaching every eligible girl, whether in school or out of school, because no one should be left behind.”
Addressing misconceptions and myths about the vaccine, Dr Abubakari said, “Let me assure you as a Public Health Physician, and as your Regional Director of Health, that this vaccine is safe, tested, and approved by global and national health authorities.
“Millions of girls around the world have received the HPV vaccine safely. It does not cause infertility or any harmful side effects. On the contrary, it prevents one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women,” he told stakeholders at the meeting.
He called for all-hands-on-desk approach from teachers, parents and pupils, and said their encouragement would ensure the vaccine acceptance, “To our students, especially the girls aged nine to 14, I urge you to take this vaccination seriously.
“It is your right to be protected from diseases that can threaten your health in the future. Please share what you learn today with your parents and peers,” Dr Abubakari told the pupils.
At the meeting attended by Mr Alhassan Lawal, the Bolgatanga Municipal Director of the GHS, Mr Abel Ndego, the Acting Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority, among other critical stakeholders, Dr Zakariah Adams, the Acting Regional Deputy Director of the Service, in charge of Public Health, answered several questions from pupils to clear their doubts on the vaccine.
Mr Charles Asanongo, the Head of the Junior High School Department, thanked the staff and management of the GHS for choosing to engage with the management, staff and pupils of the school prior to the vaccination exercise, and appealed for more of such engagements with other schools and on other issues.
Ms Beauty Nuhudaa Mbugri, the Health Prefect of the school, who was the first to receive the vaccine, told the Ghana News Agency that, “It was a simple and smooth process, and encouraged her colleagues to take their respective doses without fear.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/ Christabel Addo