Bolgatanga: The Upper East Regional Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has initiated a six-day vaccination campaign against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) targeting basic schools across the region.

According to Ghana News Agency, health professionals are visiting schools and communities to provide free vaccines to eligible girls aged nine to 14 years. The exercise, which began with registration on October 7, 2025, is set to conclude on October 12. The aim is to administer a single dose of the Gardasil four vaccine, which helps prevent cervical cancer and pre-cancerous lesions caused by HPV.

Dr. Braimah Baba Abubakari, Regional Director of GHS, highlighted the importance of this campaign during a sensitisation meeting at the Great Victory Academy in Bolgatanga Municipality. He emphasized the dangerous impact of cervical cancer, primarily caused by HPV, and the crucial role of vaccination in preventing the disease.

Dr. Abubakari stated that the Ministry of Health and GHS, with support from partners such as WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi, have incorporated the vaccine into the national immunisation programme. This initiative aims to provide long-term protection to eligible girls by leveraging their strong immune response at this age, making it a significant investment in their future health and well-being.

The Director stressed the commitment to reaching all eligible girls, including those not enrolled in school, to ensure comprehensive protection. Addressing vaccine misconceptions, he assured stakeholders of its safety, emphasizing that millions of girls worldwide have been vaccinated without adverse effects.

Dr. Abubakari called for a collaborative effort from teachers, parents, and pupils to encourage vaccine acceptance. He urged students, particularly girls aged nine to 14, to embrace the vaccination as a right and share their knowledge with parents and peers.

At the meeting, attended by key figures like Mr. Alhassan Lawal and Mr. Abel Ndego, Dr. Zakariah Adams addressed pupils’ questions to dispel doubts about the vaccine. Mr. Charles Asanongo expressed gratitude for the engagement and advocated for similar initiatives in other schools.

Ms. Beauty Nuhudaa Mbugri, the Health Prefect and the first to receive the vaccine, described the process as smooth and encouraged her peers to participate without fear.