Ghana Health Service Dispels HPV Vaccine Myths, Affirms Safety for Girls
Ghana Health Service (GHS) confirmed that the HPV vaccine does not cause infertility, stop menstruation, or lead to deaths among vaccinated girls.
In Brief
- •Ghana Health Service (GHS) confirmed that the HPV vaccine does not cause infertility, stop menstruation, or lead to deaths among vaccinated girls.
- •About 1.8 million girls received the vaccine in last year’s campaign, with an additional 200,000 vaccinated outside the campaign period.
- •GHS reports that only 45 % of this year’s target has been reached, below the 47.5‑50 % expected by mid‑year.
- •Coverage gaps remain, especially in Greater Accra, where logistical challenges and misinformation have limited reach.
- •GHS plans a second round of routine immunisation intensification in November to close remaining gaps.
Why It Matters
The HPV vaccine is a key tool in preventing cervical cancer, a leading cause of female mortality in Ghana. By addressing misinformation and expanding coverage, GHS aims to protect current and future generations of girls, while also providing indirect herd immunity to boys. The campaign’s progress reflects broader public health efforts to improve vaccine uptake and combat vaccine hesitancy in sub‑Saharan Africa.
Key Details
- Last year’s vaccinated girls
- 1.8 million
- Additional vaccinated outside campaign
- 200,000
- Current year target reached
- 45%
- Half‑year target expectation
- 47.5‑50%
- Last year’s coverage of target
- 85%
- Unvaccinated girls last year
- 150,000
Original Reporting & Sources
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