Bolgatanga, Ghana — The Ghana Health Service (GHS) – Upper East Region has officially launched the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign at Great Victory Academy, marking a major milestone in Ghana’s effort to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat.

The campaign aims to vaccinate over 2.4 million girls aged 9 to 14 years against HPV, the virus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer. The vaccine—provided free of charge—offers up to 90% protection against the high-risk strains of HPV. After the campaign, it will be integrated into Ghana’s routine immunization program for all 9-year-old girls.

Health workers are visiting schools and communities nationwide to ensure that every eligible girl is reached.

Speaking at the launch, Kingsford Animah,a facilitator of Great Victory Academy and MC for the ceremony on behalf of the school management, welcomed the health team and expressed his gratitude for the school’s selection as the regional host. The team was cordially received by the school’s resident nurse, Madam Linda Dotse, upon their arrival at Great Victory Academy.

“This is a life-saving intervention that secures the health of our girls today and their future as women tomorrow. Great Victory Academy is honored to support such a vital national exercise,” he said.

In a show of partnership for public health, Miss Maa Boatemaa Boahen, the deputy Senior Prefect of Great Victory Academy, delivered a heartfelt welcome address on behalf of the student body, eloquently setting a positive and collaborative tone for the team of medical professionals.

The Ghana Health Service team represented by the FDA Regional Director, Mr. Abel Ndego,  Dr. Zakariah Adam, the Deputy Director Publich Health, Mr. Alhassan Lawal, Municipal Director of Health Services, Mr. Daniel Asomaning, National EPI Representative, Mr. Emmanuel Konlan, Regional Disease Control Officer, Mr. Rexford Adjei, Regional Health Promotion Officer, Mr. Dominic Yeboah, Regional EPI Coordinator amongst many other team of experts, noted that with over 2.5 million doses secured through partnerships with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana is taking a bold step toward reducing cervical cancer deaths—currently estimated at more than 2,000 annually.

 

Why the Launch Took Place in a Basic School

Target Age Group: Most girls aged 9–14 years, the focus of the vaccination, are in upper primary or junior high.

Accessibility: Schools provide a structured environment for reaching large numbers of eligible girls efficiently.

Health Education: Basic schools are effective spaces to teach pupils and parents about preventive health and hygiene.

Community Outreach: Schools like Great Victory Academy serve as influential centers for information sharing within their communities.

Government Collaboration: The event reflects a strong partnership between the Ministries of Health and Education to promote adolescent wellbeing.

The GHS encourages all parents and guardians to support and allow their daughters to receive the HPV vaccine, which could prevent tens of thousands of deaths in the years to come.

The program concluded with a remark from Mr. Charles Asanongo, the Headmaster of the JHS department who expressed immense gratitude to the medical team for their time and effort in embarking on a worthwhile mission.

A high note Q&A session was given, where our students truly shone. The insightful questions posed not only demonstrated their keen understanding but also earned them high praise from the visiting health experts. As a fitting finale, the Senior Prefects, Master Jeron Amaralo and Miss Maa Boatemaa Boahen, were honored by the Municipal Director of Health Services, Mr. Alhassan Lawal, with a cash prize for their eloquence and confidence, perfectly capturing the spirit of the student body.

This empowering launch seamlessly transitioned into the much-anticipated vaccination exercise, marking the start of a vital health initiative for our school community.

In an orderly and efficient manner of vaccine administration, a total of 432 girls were vaccinated at the end of the day with 21 lacking parental consent.

The team is planning a mop-up on Friday, October 10, 2025, to get 7 others who were not available on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.