Ghana Shifts to Single-Dose HPV Vaccine in National Effort to Curb Cervical Cancer
In a major step toward eliminating cervical cancer in Ghana, the Ghana Health Service (GHS), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), will launch a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign on October 7, 2025, targeting girls between the ages of 9 and 14.
The rollout marks a historic transition from the previous three-dose HPV vaccine schedule, introduced in 2013, to a one-time lifetime dose, aligning Ghana with the latest WHO recommendations aimed at improving vaccine coverage and long-term protection against high-risk HPV types — the leading cause of cervical cancer and genital warts.
At a media briefing on Monday, Dr. Selorm Kutsoati, EPI Programmes Manager at the GHS, announced that the new vaccination strategy will begin with a 5-day campaign and continue as part of routine immunisation services offered at schools, health centres, and child welfare clinics nationwide.
“We’ve transitioned from a grade-based to an age-based model to ensure broader inclusion. This campaign targets girls aged 9 to 14 — approximately 440,000 in this round — with a long-term goal of reaching nearly 2.5 million girls across Ghana,” Dr. Kutsoati stated.
Why the Shift to a Single Dose?
The change follows recent WHO guidance backed by robust scientific studies indicating that a single dose is sufficient to offer lifelong protection against the most dangerous strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). This approach is expected to enhance vaccine accessibility, reduce costs, and increase compliance — especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers among women in Ghana, with thousands of new cases diagnosed each year, often detected too late for effective treatment.
Health experts believe this vaccination drive is a game-changing intervention that could dramatically lower infection rates and save thousands of lives over the coming decades.
Access and Availability
After the 5-day intensive campaign, the vaccine will be integrated into Ghana’s routine immunisation schedule, ensuring that girls can continue to access it at weighing centres, basic schools, and community health facilities without disruption.
The campaign will involve collaboration with schools, traditional leaders, parents, and local health workers to promote awareness, dispel vaccine hesitancy, and ensure maximum reach in both urban and rural communities.
A Step Toward WHO’s Global Goal
Ghana’s rollout supports the WHO’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030. This includes achieving 90% HPV vaccine coverage among girls by age 15, alongside increased screening and treatment.
“This vaccine is not just a shot — it’s a shield. A single dose now means a lifetime of protection later,” Dr. Kutsoati emphasised.
What Parents Need to Know
Who is eligible? Girls aged 9 to 14 years
Start Date: October 7, 2025
Duration of campaign: 5 days (then part of routine immunisation)
Vaccine dose: Single lifetime dose
Where to get it: Schools, health centres, weighing clinics
As Ghana takes this bold step to protect the next generation of women, health officials urge parents and guardians to ensure their daughters are vaccinated — not just for their safety, but for the country’s collective future.
