The Dormaa Central Municipal Health Directorate has inaugurated the national
HPV vaccination campaign, set to run from Tuesday, October 7 to Saturday, October 11, targeting girls aged 9 to 14 years.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Daniel Konka, Municipal Health Director, stressed that the initiative seeks to prevent cervical cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of death among women in Ghana and across the world.
He expressed concern over growing misinformation about the vaccines, including false claims that they are intended for family planning.
“The HPV vaccine has no adverse effect on childbirth. Its sole purpose is to protect young women against cervical cancer,” Mr. Konka clarified.
He added that recipients who may experience mild symptoms should promptly report to the nearest health facility, where treatment will be provided at no cost.
Supporting the initiative, John Kwame Adu Jack, Member of Parliament for Dormaa Central, described cervical cancer as a “silent killer” and emphasized the importance of prevention. He lauded the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service for prioritizing women’s health through the vaccination programme.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Dominic Adoma Ameyaw, officially declared the exercise open, urging parents to allow their daughters to be vaccinated and calling on teachers to encourage their students to participate.
“This vaccine is not for family planning. It is for protecting the lives of our young girls. Let us all support it,” he urged.
The HPV vaccination programme forms part of a nationwide effort to reduce cervical cancer cases and safeguard the health of Ghanaian women.
