Ghana Health Service to conduct nationwide HPV vaccination campaign in schools
Story by: Regina Bless
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) is set to undertake a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in schools to improve immunisation coverage and protect eligible girls against cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.
The exercise, being conducted in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) through the School Health Education Programme (SHEP) and other partners, will take place in two rounds under the Periodic Intensification of Routine Immunisation (PIRI).
According to a press release issued by the Ghana Health Service on October 19, 2026, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the HPV vaccine, improve vaccination uptake and ensure that eligible girls aged 9 to 14 years receive protection against HPV-related illnesses.
The first round of the exercise is scheduled for Monday, October 19, to Friday, October 23, 2026, while the second round will take place from Monday, November 30, to Friday, December 4, 2026.
During the campaign, health personnel will visit schools across the country to administer the HPV vaccine to eligible girls within the 9–14 age group who have not yet received it.
The initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen routine immunisation and increase protection against cervical cancer, a major health concern associated with HPV infection.
The Ghana Health Service has called on school authorities, parents, guardians, teachers and community leaders to support the exercise and cooperate with health teams to ensure its successful implementation.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and promoting the health and well-being of Ghanaians, particularly children, through collaboration with its partners and stakeholders.
The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, signed the release, urging all stakeholders to contribute to the success of the nationwide campaign.
The exercise is expected to strengthen public awareness of HPV vaccination and support Ghana’s broader efforts to prevent cervical cancer and build a healthier population.