Nationwide vaccination against human papilloma virus to begin by close of year – Ghana Health Service

In an effort to reduce the prevalence of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection among women in Ghana, a vaccination campaign will be rolled out by the end of the year, targeting pre-adolescents aged 9 to 14.

This nationwide initiative aims to capture a crucial window of opportunity by immunizing children before they enter into sexual activity.

An expected end to a torturing anticipation for parents as Ghana prepares to apply to Gavi (The Vaccine Alliance for vaccines) for HPV vaccine introduction into routine immunization.

The HPV vaccine was first introduced in the country in 2013 with support from a pilot campaign through GAVI in the 13 old districts in northern and central regions.

Given the alarming rate of cervical cancer in the absence of a national screening program, the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine emerges as a pivotal tool to alleviate the burden of HPV infection and cervical cancer among Ghanaian women.

Although the evidence points to the safety and efficacy of these vaccines, routine HPV vaccination of girls sparks debates on religious, political, socioeconomic, and ethical fronts.

The EPI Manager at the Ghana Health Service Dr. Kwame Amponsah –Achiano explained that lessons have been learnt from the pilot program ten years ago, so there is no cause for alarm.

‘‘We had an impressive coverage of almost more than 80% during the pilot program in 2013, 2015 and 2017. First is in-school girls only, and then out-of-school girls, so we focus on grades. So, grade four, grade five. Our focus usually is on children before they start their sexual debut. And so, we focus on the window of hope.

That is children who are not or haven’t started a sexual intercourse. So that’s why we focus on nine years 10 years from the class four, class five, we largely will use the same strategies and also target children out of school around identities. Because we’ve already done a pilot, the pilot was to learn lessons. This one will be nationwide so come end of the year or early 2025, we would have started,’’ he assured.

He further emphasized the necessity of a two-dose series for each child and need for the vaccination.

‘‘So of course, vaccination is good, but it is not 100% that you are protected and that is why it is important to have a screening programme well established as well. So, as you’re talking about last resort, we also be talking about secondary prevention, which is the early detection.

Anticipation mounts among various stakeholders, including the National AIDS Control Program, as the vaccines arrive in the country. While we were doing the pilot programme initially, we gave three doses. Then it came to two. Now we are talking of one, but the one dose is also premised on the fact that we need to have a well-established screening. We are likely to do two doses. That’s the best card put forward’’.

For those living with HIV, the prospect of obtaining the vaccine for their children without cost brings a sense of relief, echoing the sentiments of countless other parents.

The programme manager for the national aids control program, Dr. Ayisi Addo said ‘‘if you take all the population living with HIV about 7% are children. And if you take for females, it is 66%. So, you see HIV has a gender face so if you leave them out, you are not achieving epidemic control.’’

The vaccine is however available in outlets across the country, priced between not less than 200 dollars but the question arises: how many can truly afford it for their young ones?

By Sarah Apenkroh 3News.com