Human papillomavirus is a common virus that can cause cervical cancer, one of the most frequent and deadly cancers among women around the world. Each year, about 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and roughly 1,500–2,000 die from the disease in Ghana.
HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases and vaccination before exposure to the virus (ideally before sexual debut) greatly reduces risk of future HPV-related cancers.
In September 2025, Ghana launched its first nationwide HPV vaccination campaign targeting girls aged 9–14 years to protect them against HPV and cervical cancer.
The vaccine is offered free of charge and delivered through schools, community health centers, and outreach services to reach girls in both urban and remote areas.
The vaccine will be integrated into Ghana’s routine immunisation schedule for girls (starting around age 9) after the campaign, making it a long-term public health intervention.
Ghana has recently received a shipment of HPV vaccine doses with plans to deliver over 2.5 million doses, enough to cover eligible girls through the national rollout.
Before the national rollout, Ghana conducted pilot HPV vaccination programs in selected regions (e.g., between 2013 and 2015), which showed high vaccine uptake (70%–94% coverage) where implemented.
Going forward, the vaccine is planned to be offered routinely within this age group as part of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation.
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