The Keta Municipal Health Directorate has launched a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination exercise targeting girls aged 9 to 14 years in the municipality, as part of efforts to curb and protect young girls against cervical cancer. The exercise is scheduled to run from Tuesday, October 7, to Saturday, October 11.
Madam Margaret Dovlo, Keta Municipal Public Health Nurse, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the programme aims to provide full protection to girls against cervical cancer, a major health concern for women. “The exercise is beginning today, October 7, through to October 11, and we expect to vaccinate not less than 500 girls across the municipality,” she said.
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Madam Dovlo explained that the HPV vaccine is safe and does not affect a girl’s ability to have children in the future, contrary to misconceptions. She emphasised that vaccination provides maximum protection against cervical cancer, a disease that could severely impact a girl’s future. “When you look at the statistics, it is dangerous. At least more than 20 women report to Bator Hospital daily, where we have specialists for treatment. Our young ones need to be protected,” she added.
Trained healthcare workers will visit schools and communities daily from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm to administer the vaccine. Parents, teachers, and other stakeholders have been urged to ensure that all eligible girls access the free vaccine within the stipulated period.
Madam Dovlo noted that the HPV vaccination will become a routine activity for the health directorate, administered during weighing sessions to ensure that girls turning 9 to 14 years receive the vaccine before entering adolescence. She stressed that the vaccine works best when given before exposure to the virus. “Cervical cancer is a silent killer, which can be prevented. The HPV vaccine prevents infections and offers protection against cervical cancer later in life. One dose gives maximum protection against HPV infections,” she said.
