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The Deputy Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, Hon. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has called on parents and guardians across the country to ensure that their daughters benefit from the free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme recently rolled out by the government.
Her call comes in response to a statement delivered on the floor of Parliament by Hon. Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, Member of Parliament for Ada and Deputy Majority Whip, on the urgent need to combat cervical cancer through increased awareness and vaccination.
Hon. Ayensu-Danquah stated that cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Ghana, with over 3,000 cases and more than 2,500 deaths recorded last year alone. She described the statistics as alarming and a call to collective action to protect the health and future of Ghanaian women.
According to the Deputy Health Minister, the introduction of the HPV vaccine free of charge for girls aged 9 to 14 marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s public health efforts. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, aims to drastically reduce new infections and safeguard young girls before they become vulnerable to the virus.
Hon. Ayensu-Danquah stressed that the HPV vaccine is both safe and effective, having been used globally to prevent cervical cancer and save millions of lives. She urged parents to take full advantage of this opportunity, ensuring that no eligible girl is left unvaccinated.
“Vaccination is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent cervical cancer. The vaccine is free, safe, and readily available. I encourage all parents to protect their daughters today so that they can live long, healthy lives tomorrow.”
She further appealed to teachers, religious leaders, traditional authorities, and the media to support the campaign by spreading accurate information and helping to dispel myths surrounding the vaccine.
Hon. Ayensu-Danquah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving women’s health and reducing preventable diseases through sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure and preventive interventions.
“Together, we can reduce the mortality rate associated with cervical cancer and build a healthier, stronger future for our girls.”
Source: Elvisanokyenews.net
