Ghana Health Service announces HPV vaccination drive and NCD care improvements

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced a nationwide campaign to vaccinate 440,000 girls aged 9–15 against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) starting September 28, 2026. The initiative aims to combat cervical cancer, which causes approximately 3,000 cases and 1,700 deaths annually in Ghana. Dr. Naziru Tanko Mohammed, Deputy Programme Manager for the Expanded Programme on Immunization, stated that early vaccination is the most effective prevention strategy, as treatment options become limited once the disease reaches advanced stages.

Separately, during the 2026 National Patient Safety Day in Accra, GHS Deputy Director-General Dr. Caroline Amissah Reindorf called for strengthened health systems to support patients with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. She emphasized the need for improved patient navigation and more effective referral systems to ensure continuous care throughout the medical continuum, noting that gaps in these systems can lead to delays and safety risks for those managing chronic conditions.