Akatsi South Municipal Health Director urges collective action against HPV infections

Ms Justine Sefakor Alornyo, the Akatsi South Municipal Director of Health Services, has called for concerted efforts by all stakeholders in the fight against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections across Ghana. Speaking at the Akatsi South Municipal Assembly hall, she engaged assembly members, media representatives, and community opinion leaders on the importance of educating the public ahead of the nationwide HPV vaccination exercise.

Ms Alornyo explained that HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), transmitted primarily through sexual contact and close skin-to-skin contact. She highlighted that HPV infection can lead to several cancers, including cervical, anal, throat, vaginal, and penile cancers. Risk factors include early initiation of sexual activity and having multiple sexual partners.

“The HPV vaccine is an effective measure to prevent infection and related health outcomes, particularly cervical cancer among women,” Ms Alornyo stated. She emphasised that about 14 types of HPV are known to cause cancer, particularly cervical cancer, which occurs when cells at the opening of the womb become abnormal and grow uncontrollably.

Cervical cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer and cancer-related deaths among women in Ghana, with over 3,000 new cases and 2,000 deaths recorded annually, mostly affecting women aged 40–50 years.

The Ghana Health Service confirmed that the HPV vaccine prevents persistent infection with high-risk HPV types and associated cancers. The vaccination exercise is scheduled to take place from Tuesday, October 7, to Saturday, October 11, targeting girls aged 9 to 14 across the municipality.

Community leaders and participants have expressed strong interest in the awareness creation campaign within their electoral areas, underscoring the importance of collective action to reduce HPV infections and associated health risks.