Ghana's Savannah Region launches HPV vaccination catch-up drive

The Savannah Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has launched a five-day catch-up vaccination campaign to protect girls against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The exercise, scheduled from October 19 to 23, 2026, aims to reach 6,668 girls aged 9 to 14 who remain unvaccinated.

While the initial campaign targeted 48,835 eligible girls across seven districts, officials reported that only 42,167 have been reached so far. The remaining girls are at risk of infection from the virus, which is a primary cause of cervical cancer.

During a press briefing in Damongo, Regional Director Dr. John Ekow Otoo emphasized that vaccinating girls before exposure provides the highest level of protection. He noted that the success of the program depends on public awareness, community acceptance, and combating misinformation to ensure parents and guardians participate in the immunization effort.