Mr. Samuel Yao Atidzah, Executive Director of GOSANET Foundation has stated that it will be an injustice of the highest order to prevent the girl child from taking the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
This, he said was because the vaccine was the only surest lifesaving intervention that prevented infections and protected girls against cervical cancer later in their lives.
Mr. Atidzah who stated this during a sensitization session at the Ho Central Mosque noted that “the vaccination is safe, effective and free.”
The sensitization he said formed part of GOSANET Foundation’s wider efforts in partnership with government and civil society actors to strengthen community health systems, promote immunization and prevent diseases.
Mr. Atidzah therefore entreated parents and guardians especially those in the Muslim communities not to deny their daughters “this lifesaving opportunity” but ensure that all girls aged between nine and 14 years were vaccinated against the HPV.
“I am pleading with all parents and guardians especially those in Ho and across the Volta region to permit their daughters to take the vaccine to secure their future against cervical cancer.”
He stressed on the urgent need for parents to protect each their daughters from cervical cancer which he said was one of the leading causes of death among women in the country.
The Executive Director stated that HPV infection was the most common cause of cervical cancer and the vaccine offered a strong protection when administered early.
He said the nationwide vaccination, which was being organized by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) is running from the 7th to 11th of October, 2025.
Mr. Atidzah stated that the campaign targeted girls aged nine to 14 years.
He continued that after the campaign the HPV would be incorporated into Ghana’s routine immunization schedule and would be administered to girls as soon as they turned nine years of age.
Mr. Atidzah stated that in close collaboration with the Ho Municipal Health Directorate of the GHS, GOSANET Foundation as an Implementing Partner for the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health was currently implementing GAVI CDS Year 3 activities in the Ho Municipality.
He reiterated the Foundation’s strong commitment to supporting immunization and health education activities that safeguard the well-being of women and children.
The Executive Director entreated community, religious and opinion leaders to support the campaign by sensitizing their congregations and community members about the benefits of the HPV vaccine.
GNA
