Media professionals have been encouraged to play a crucial role in the rollout of Ghana’s national Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine campaign aimed at combating cervical cancer among girls aged nine to 14 years.

The campaign, set for October 7 to 11, targets over five million girls across the country, as Ghana heightens its fight to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cervix – the lower part of the uterus in the female reproductive system, often caused by persistent infection with certain high-risk types of HPV.

Symptoms of the common sexually transmitted infection include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and unusual vaginal discharge.

At a media sensitisation workshop ahead of the vaccine rollout, Dr Fiona Braka, World Health Organisation (WHO) Ghana Country Representative, emphasised the role of the media in ensuring a successful vaccination exercise.

“Thankfully, we have the HPV vaccine that offers protection against this disease, and it has already shown significant impact in reducing the burden of cervical cancer, including here in Africa in countries like Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania,” she said.

She said what was needed was public awareness and participation, which could not be done without the media – print, broadcast, and digital- and called for the rallying of citizens for the vaccination, including sharing inspiring stories of people who have benefited from the vaccine.

She called on the media to provide a clear understanding about the importance and efficacy of the vaccine, help quell misinformation and myths surrounding the vaccine, while also providing context to promote public acceptance and patronage of the vaccine.

Dr Braka noted that cervical cancer was the second most common cancer among Ghanaian women, with more than 3,000 new cases and 1,700 deaths recorded annually, primarily because of late detection and high treatment costs.

“By sharing accurate information and promoting the vaccine, the media can help ensure the success of the campaign and contribute to the reduction of cervical cancer cases in Ghana. Let’s work together to protect our girls,” she said.

The WHO Country Representative lauded Ghana for its readiness for the rollout of the vaccination campaign and pledged their support in planning, training, and advocacy to ensure the protection of girls, empowering communities, and building a healthier future.

Dr Selorm Kutsoati, Acting Programme Manager, Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), Ghana Health Service (GHS), also encouraged the media to use their various platforms to make the campaign reach every home across the country.

“We must do a lot to ensure that cervical cancer does not get out of hand…It’s feasible to eliminate cervical cancer using the HPV vaccine in addition to other interventions,” she said,

She stated that Ghana was in a position to finance the rollout of the campaign, explaining that, unlike the pilot phase, where multiple doses were administered, this campaign would use a single-dose approach, which also provides the same result.

Dr Kutsoati said vaccines were sent to regional stores last weekend and were expected to be sent to the districts for onward distribution to the vaccination centres, adding that drone services and medical boats would be deployed to get to people in hard-to-reach areas.

Ghana’s immunisation programme has introduced 10 new vaccines since 1978, reducing vaccine-preventable diseases, with the HPV vaccine being used globally since 2006, where over 140 countries, including 28 in Africa, have adopted and confirmed its safety and effectiveness.

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