By Emmanuel Nyatsikor, GNA
Ho, Oct. 22 GNA – Mr Samuel Yao Atidzah, the Executive Director of GOSANET Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, has observed that fear and misconceptions about the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV vaccines were preventing most young girls from taking the vaccine.
Speaking in an interview with Ghana News Agency (GNA) after visiting some vaccination centres in Ho, he urged parents and guardians not to rely on rumors and unverified information circulating on social media but seek clarification from health professionals.
The first round of the HPV vaccination exercise which started on Monday October 19 will end on Friday, October 23, and is to protect girls aged between 9 to 14 years against HPV infections that could lead to cervical cancer and HPV-related diseases.
It is being implemented through health workers visiting schools and other designated vaccination points throughout the country.
Mr Atidzah who is also the Volta Regional Vice-Chairman of Ghana Coalition of NGOs said the HPV vaccine was an important public health intervention to help protect girls from preventable diseases and contribute to reducing the burden of cervical cancer in Ghana.
He called on parents and guardians to support the campaign by ensuring that all eligible girls received the vaccine.
He noted that protecting girls today meant safeguarding the health and well-being of women tomorrow and an investment in their health, their future and the nation and appealed to Traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations and the media to support public education to encourage parents to participate in the campaign.
He also urged teachers and school authorities to collaborate with health teams and provide the necessary support for vaccination activities and help communicate accurate information to parents and guardians.
HPV is a common virus and persistent infection with high-risk types that could cause cervical cancer and other cancers and diseases and vaccination before exposure to the virus offers effective protection against it.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Bertha Badu-Agyei/Benjamin Mensah