By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Keta (V/R), Sept. 26, GNA-The Keta Municipal Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced plans to undertake a Periodic Intensification of Routine Immunisation (PIRI) exercise with focus on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination within the Municipality.
The exercise, scheduled through the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), will run from September 28 to October 2, with a second-round set for November 23 to 27.
Mr Ernest Alignol, the Acting Municipal Director of Health Service, at Keta, explained that the exercise formed part of collective efforts to enhance HPV vaccine uptake and ensure that all eligible girls aged nine to 14 years are protected against cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.
“The Keta Municipal Health Directorate will be undertaking the PIRI activities within the Municipality throughout the stated period, we are targeting schools, communities and designated vaccination points,” he said.
He appealed for support and cooperation towards the successful implementation of the exercise and urged institutions and communities to identify eligible girls aged nine to 14 years and make them available to vaccination teams.
Mr Alignol emphasised that the vaccination teams would engage with various institutions and designated vaccination points during the exercise and appealed for assistance in informing relevant persons and encouraging eligible girls to participate.
“We assure the public that the HPV vaccine is safe, effective and provide free of charge to eligible beneficiaries, no girl within the target age bracket should be left out due to any cost.”
He mentioned that the support and cooperation of stakeholders would contribute greatly towards improving HPV vaccination uptake and protecting eligible girls against HPV-related diseases in the Municipality.
He said a letter was copied to key stakeholders, including the Municipal Chief Executive of Keta Municipal Assembly, the Member of Parliament for Keta, and the Municipal Coordinating Director, among others to help conduct a successful exercise.
Other recipients he said include the Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Principal of the Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Keta, Medical Superintendents of Keta and Abor, and all Assembly Members within the various electoral areas.
The Ghana News Agency further gathered that the Keta Divisional Police Commander, the National Ambulance Service, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the Information Service Department (ISD), faith-based leaders, chiefs, opinion leaders and all media houses in Keta and Anloga were also copied.
The Directorate also expressed appreciation in advance for the anticipated support from all stakeholders, for the exercise that is a critical step towards achieving a healthier and cancer-free generation within the Keta Municipality.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah