Ho Municipal Health Directorate targets 2,370 girls for HPV vaccination

The Ho Municipal Health Directorate has announced an ambitious target to vaccinate 2,370 girls aged between 9 and 14 years against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This initiative is a proactive measure designed to significantly reduce the future incidence of cervical cancer among women in the region. Health authorities have confirmed that the vaccine is being integrated into the standard routine immunization services, ensuring that it remains accessible and free for all eligible children across the municipality.

Currently, the vaccination teams are focusing their efforts on private schools to maintain the momentum of the campaign. This strategic shift follows recent disruptions in public schools caused by a strike, which has limited access to students in the state sector. Health officers are working closely with school administrators to facilitate the administration of the vaccine in a controlled and safe environment. They underscored the importance of vaccinating girls within this specific age range to ensure they develop immunity before any potential exposure to the virus, which is the primary cause of cervical cancer cases worldwide.

Beyond the school-based outreach, the Ho Municipal Health Directorate is urging parents, guardians, and traditional leaders to support the exercise by encouraging eligible girls to visit local health centers. Officials noted that community-wide cooperation is essential to achieving the target of 2,370 vaccinations and safeguarding the reproductive health of the next generation. By ensuring comprehensive coverage now, the directorate aims to build a foundation for a future where cervical cancer is no longer a major public health threat in the Ho Municipality.