The Ashanti Regional Health Director, Dr Fred Adomako-Boateng, has called for widespread support for the upcoming cervical cancer vaccination campaign, emphasizing the importance of dispelling misinformation and ensuring high uptake rates.

The campaign, which will primarily target school-aged girls (9-14 years), he said, requires a collaborative effort from educators, religious leaders, traditional authorities, parents, and the media.

"The nature of this vaccination is quite different from others, especially as most recipients will be in school. That's why we've met with all relevant stakeholders to communicate the vaccine's importance," he said.

According to him, a key focus of the campaign is addressing and debunking common myths surrounding the vaccine, particularly the misconception that it causes infertility or alters sexual behaviour. "We are dispelling that myth. Developed countries that have implemented this vaccine have demonstrated that women are still able to conceive and deliver healthy babies," he said, all this in an interview with the media during a stakeholder engagement on HPV vaccine introduction in Ghana.

The health director highlighted the global impact of cervical cancer, noting that it is a leading cause of death for women worldwide, with a disproportionate burden in low- and middle-income countries. "Vaccine is the cheapest and best way to prevent it."

He revealed that the vaccination is free and aims to reach nearly 400,000 individuals in the Ashanti region. Adding that the directorate hopes to achieve near-100% coverage.

According to him, long-term surveillance of vaccinated cohorts will be conducted to assess the impact of the vaccination on cervical cancer rates in the region.

He concluded by urging community leaders, including chief imams, reverend fathers, teachers, and parents, to actively promote the vaccine and address any concerns or hesitations within their communities.