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Savannah Regional Health Directorate targets 48,835 girls for HPV vaccination

The Savannah Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has launched an intensified campaign to vaccinate girls aged 9 to 14 against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This public health initiative spans seven districts within the region and is designed to combat the high incidence of cervical cancer. In Ghana, the disease remains a significant health threat, accounting for approximately 3,000 new cases and 2,000 deaths annually. By targeting young girls before potential exposure to the virus, health officials aim to drastically reduce these mortality rates over the coming decades. To date, the Directorate has made significant progress, successfully vaccinating 42,167 girls out of an initial regional target of 48,835. To bridge the remaining gap and ensure total coverage, health authorities have scheduled a renewed vaccination drive to take place from October 19 to 23, 2026. This upcoming phase of the campaign will focus on reaching those who have not yet been captured, ensuring that no eligible girl in the region is left unprotected against the virus, which is the primary cause of cervical cancer. Dr. John Ekow Otoo, speaking for the Directorate, emphasized that the HPV vaccines are safe, effective, and essential for the long-term well-being of the region's youth. He noted that the success of the initiative relies heavily on the active involvement of parents and guardians. Alongside the administration of the vaccines, the GHS is ramping up public education efforts to provide stakeholders with accurate information and to combat any misinformation that might cause vaccine hesitancy within the various communities. The vaccination drive is a key component of a broader national strategy to mitigate the impact of preventable cancers on the Ghanaian population. By securing high levels of community acceptance and participation, the Savannah Regional Health Directorate hopes to establish a robust defense against cervical cancer. Health stakeholders across the seven districts are encouraged to support the October campaign to help achieve the region's immunization goals and protect the health of future generations.