
Dr. Abdulai Abukari, the Bono Regional Director of Health, has officially launched the National Periodic Intensification of Routine Immunization (PIRI) campaign, specifically targeting the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14. The initiative, which runs from October 19 to October 23, 2026, is a strategic move to combat cervical cancer, which currently ranks as the second most diagnosed cancer among women across Ghana.
To ensure comprehensive coverage, the health directorate is employing a dual strategy involving both school-based and community-based outreach. This approach is designed to reach eligible girls in the classroom as well as those who are currently out of school, ensuring that no child within the target age bracket is left unprotected. Dr. Abukari highlighted the importance of these efforts in creating a barrier against a disease that causes significant morbidity and mortality in the country.
Statistics released during the launch indicate that the region has achieved a vaccination rate of 63.5% so far this year. While this figure is encouraging, Dr. Abukari emphasized that there is still significant work to be done to achieve full coverage. He made a passionate appeal to traditional authorities, religious leaders, and parents to support the campaign and help dispel any misconceptions regarding the vaccine's safety and efficacy.
The success of the campaign relies heavily on effective public education and community engagement. By intensifying routine immunization through the PIRI framework, health authorities in the Bono Region hope to significantly reduce future cases of cervical cancer. The Director underscored that the HPV vaccine is a proven, safe, and effective tool that provides life-long protection when administered during the early teenage years before potential exposure to the virus.