The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced plans to launch a nationwide vaccination campaign aimed at reducing the prevalence of the human papillomavirus (HPV) among women in Ghana. The campaign, scheduled to commence by the end of the year, will target pre-adolescents aged 9 to 14.
The primary goal of this initiative is to immunize adolescents before they become sexually active, in response to the concerning rate of cervical cancer in the country. Dr. Kwame Amponsah-Achiano, Programmes Manager for the Expanded Programme on Immunization at the Ghana Health Service, stressed the importance of administering a two-dose vaccine to each child.
Dr. Amponsah-Achiano explained, "Because we have already done a pilot which was to learn lessons, we will roll out a nationwide vaccination, and our focus is usually on young people before they start their sexual debut. So by the end of the year, we should have started the vaccination."
He further elaborated on the dosage, stating, "While we were doing the piloting, we had to give three doses, then it came to two, and now we are talking of one, but the one dose is also premised on the fact that we need to have a well-established screening, but we are likely to do two doses because that is the best card put forward."
According to the ICO/IARC Information Centre on HPV and Cancer, Ghana has a significant population of women at risk of developing cervical cancer. The statistics reveal that cervical cancer ranks as the 2nd most frequent cancer among women in Ghana, with a high incidence among those aged 15 to 44 years. While data specific to HPV burden in the general population of Ghana is not yet available, it is estimated that about 4.3% of women in Western Africa, where Ghana is located, may harbor cervical HPV16/18 infection at any given time.
The vaccination campaign holds promise in addressing the alarming rates of cervical cancer in Ghana and underscores the commitment of the Ghana Health Service to safeguarding the health of its population. As efforts continue to combat HPV-related health risks, it is imperative for stakeholders to support and participate in initiatives aimed at promoting preventive healthcare measures.
The forthcoming vaccination campaign represents a significant step towards mitigating the impact of HPV and cervical cancer in Ghana, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes for women across the country.
-source citinewsroom | curated by Manuel Zita | Ghana Crimes
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