BY: Godfred Anku Kaali
The President of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Ghana (SOGOG), Dr. Ali Samba, has reiterated the critical role of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine in preventing cervical cancer. Speaking at the opening ceremony of SOGOG’s Annual General and Scientific Meeting (AGSM) in Koforidua, the Eastern regional capital, Dr. Samba said the vaccine can cut the risk of cervical cancer by up to 90 percent if administered before exposure.
The three-day AGSM brought together obstetricians, gynaecologists, development partners and other health professionals to deliberate on strategies to improve cervical cancer prevention and care in Ghana. Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in the country. Despite progress in screening and treatment, many women still report to health facilities with advanced disease, where curative options are limited. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that Ghana records about 3,000 new cases of cervical cancer and over 1,800 deaths each year.
Dr. Ali Samba called on clinicians, researchers and health advocates to address misconceptions about the HPV vaccine and work toward a future where no woman in Ghana dies from cervical cancer.
“We must counter misinformation with clarity, empathy, and scientific accuracy, and use our platforms to build confidence in this life saving vaccine,” he said.
Dr. Samba identified coverage gaps, public misconceptions, logistical challenges and broader health-system limitations as factors hindering the effective rollout of HPV vaccines.
The WHO country representative to Ghana, Dr. Fiona Braka, commended Ghana’s first nationwide HPV vaccination campaign, noting that approximately 84 percent of the targeted 2.2 million girls were successfully vaccinated.
She noted that the absence of any serious side effects reported during the campaign confirms the vaccine’s safety.
“We are happy to note that there was no serious adverse events documented, attesting to the high safety profile of the vaccine. Following the campaign, HPV vaccine is now integrated into Ghana’s routine immunization schedule,” she said.
Dr. Kennedy Brightson, Director of the Family Health Division of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), called for renewed commitment and innovative strategies to overcome ongoing challenges in HPV vaccination.
He reaffirmed the GHS’s commitment to expanding HPV screening and vaccination nationwide.
“The Ghana Health Service remains fully committed to scaling up HPV vaccination nationwide by strengthening screening, expanding treatment services, advancing early diagnosis and referral systems, and supporting research and innovation in women’s health,” he said.
The opening ceremony also featured the launch of Ghana’s Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Guidelines, which provide an evidence-based framework for clinicians and policymakers. The guidelines are expected to reduce cervical cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality while advancing health equity and universal health coverage.
