Ada East District begins HPV vaccination for over 5,000 girls

The Ada East District Health Directorate has commenced the national Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination exercise, targeting 5,423 girls aged 9 to 14 years, representing 6.6% of the district’s population. The campaign runs from October 8 to 11, 2025.

Mr Anderson Obeng Amoako, Focal Person for the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in the district, assured that the HPV vaccine is safe and effective. He explained that Ghana’s vaccination focuses on girls for cost-effectiveness, noting that although some high-income countries vaccinate both genders, Ghana aims to protect girls directly from cervical cancer, which remains a major health threat.

He added that vaccinating girls also indirectly protects boys, as widespread female immunisation reduces the circulation of high-risk HPV types.

Mr Amoako explained that cervical cancer affects the lower part of the uterus and is caused mainly by persistent HPV infection. Risk factors include lack of vaccination, early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, unprotected sex, weak immunity, and smoking.

He cautioned that the disease often shows no early symptoms, making regular cervical screening crucial. Late symptoms may include offensive vaginal discharge, intermenstrual bleeding, post-coital bleeding, painful intercourse, and bleeding after menopause.

Mr Amoako emphasised preventive actions such as HPV vaccination, abstaining from early sex, avoiding multiple sexual partners, regular cervical screening, and early treatment of lesions to prevent HPV-related conditions.