Ghana to Roll Out Nationwide School HPV Vaccination Drive in October and November

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced a major immunisation push targeting schoolgirls across the country, with two separate rounds of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination scheduled for the final months of 2026. The campaign, conducted under the Periodic Intensification of Routine Immunisation (PIRI) framework, represents a significant effort to boost cervical cancer prevention in Ghana's young female population.

According to a statement from GHS Director-General Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the first vaccination round will run from 19 to 23 October 2026, with a second phase following from 30 November to 4 December 2026. Health workers will visit schools nationwide to administer the vaccine to eligible girls aged 9 to 14 who have not yet received protection against HPV-related diseases.

Campaign scope and objectives

The nationwide initiative aims to strengthen Ghana's routine immunisation programme whilst specifically targeting the prevention of cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers affecting women in low and middle-income countries. Beyond cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine protects against several other HPV-related conditions that can affect both males and females, though the campaign focuses on girls in the critical 9-14 age group—the optimal window for vaccination effectiveness.

The GHS is working alongside the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the School Health Education Programme (SHEP) to ensure smooth implementation. School authorities will play a critical role in facilitating access to eligible students, whilst the collaboration with the education sector ensures vaccination reaches girls during regular school attendance.

Why it matters for Ghana

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health challenge in Ghana and across sub-Saharan Africa. By vaccinating girls before they reach sexual maturity, Ghana can prevent the vast majority of cervical cancers that develop later in life, reducing both mortality and the burden on the healthcare system. This campaign demonstrates Ghana's commitment to preventive healthcare and aligns with global public health goals to eliminate cervical cancer as a threat.

The two-round approach also increases the likelihood of reaching more eligible girls, accounting for school absences or other barriers that might prevent attendance during a single vaccination window. Early vaccination means maximum protection by adulthood, when the virus would pose a risk.

The GHS has urged all stakeholders—school administrators, parents, guardians, teachers and community leaders—to support the initiative and cooperate with health teams during implementation. Public buy-in remains crucial to vaccination success, particularly in communities where vaccine hesitancy or misconceptions may exist.

The Service reaffirmed its broader commitment to protecting the health and well-being of all Ghanaians whilst expressing gratitude for ongoing partner support in safeguarding children and building a healthier nation.