Mampong: A national campaign to vaccinate adolescents against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has been launched in Mampong, accompanied by a regional forum aimed at raising awareness on menstrual hygiene and HPV prevention among out-of-school youth. The forum is organized by Children and Youth in Broadcasting, the Curious Minds, in collaboration with UNICEF Ghana and the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
According to Ghana News Agency, the event targets adolescents who are not in school and often lack access to essential health information. Traditional leaders, religious figures, parents, and young people came together to discuss barriers preventing adolescents from accessing health services. Mrs. Cynthia Anna Amoo, the Asante Mampong Municipal Director of the Ghana Health Service, identified stigma, cultural misconceptions, limited parental involvement, and poor community engagement as persistent challenges.
Mrs. Amoo highlighted that these factors often leave young girls unprepared for menstruation, resulting in a lack of knowledge about proper hygiene and sanitary practices. She urged parents to play an active role in educating their daughters on menstrual hygiene, including the correct use and disposal of sanitary materials.
A significant focus of the forum was the growing threat of HPV. Mrs. Amoo warned of the virus's rapid spread among adolescent girls, primarily through sexual intercourse. She explained that the transmission of HPV through unprotected sex can lead to serious health complications, like cervical cancer, if not detected and treated early. Noting that cervical cancer remains a significant public health threat in Ghana, with nearly 3,000 new cases and close to 2,000 deaths recorded annually, she announced a national HPV vaccination programme targeting girls aged 9 to 14 years. The vaccination exercise is scheduled to take place from October 7 to 11, 2025.
Mrs. Amoo emphasized the vaccine's safety and high effectiveness at preventing HPV infection, calling on parents to ensure their daughters participate in the campaign. Traditional and religious leaders also expressed their support, urging parents to act responsibly in safeguarding their children's health.
The initiative marks a significant step towards improving adolescent health outcomes in the region and preparing communities for the upcoming vaccination campaign. It aims to equip young people and their caregivers with crucial knowledge to make informed health decisions and reduce the spread of HPV.
