The Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) has lauded the Ghanaian government and its international partners for the momentous decision to introduce the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into the national immunization schedule, starting September 2025. This initiative targets girls aged 9 to 14, prioritizing 9-year-olds, and represents a significant stride towards achieving the World Health Organization’s goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030. CDA Consult has been a staunch advocate for free HPV vaccinations, recognizing their crucial role in preventing cervical cancer, a disease that claims the lives of nearly 2,000 Ghanaian women annually, with an estimated 3,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The inclusion of the HPV vaccine in routine immunizations signals a major victory in the fight against this preventable disease, marking a paradigm shift in public health policy.
CDA Consult, a non-governmental organization focused on development communication and advocacy, has spearheaded a nationwide “Change Paradigm Advocacy” campaign, championing free HPV vaccinations and advocating for enhanced prevention, detection, and treatment of cervical cancer. Their efforts have galvanized support for the cause and contributed to the government’s decision to implement the HPV vaccination program. The organization expresses deep gratitude to key partners, including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and WHO, for their unwavering support in realizing this milestone. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of global partnerships in addressing critical health challenges and advancing progress towards disease eradication.
Recognizing the importance of widespread public awareness and community engagement, CDA Consult urges the Ghana Health Service and other stakeholders to intensify advocacy and educational initiatives. The campaign seeks to garner support from crucial sectors, including the education system, parents, media outlets, traditional leaders, and religious figures. These influential voices play a pivotal role in reaching eligible girls and shaping community perceptions about the HPV vaccine. While schools serve as a primary point of contact for vaccination, the campaign emphasizes the need to reach out-of-school girls, leveraging community leadership to ensure access for all girls within the target age group.
CDA Consult’s advocacy efforts extend beyond promoting vaccination to encompass a holistic approach to cervical cancer prevention and management. The organization regularly convenes health professionals, human rights advocates, gender activists, religious leaders, and communication experts to raise public awareness about the importance of screening, early diagnosis, and effective treatment. This multi-pronged strategy aims to empower communities with the knowledge and resources necessary to combat cervical cancer effectively. Since 2023, CDA Consult has intensified its campaign, highlighting the urgency of accelerating progress towards the 2030 elimination target.
Under the banner of “Ghana Must Rise Against Cervical Cancer,” CDA Consult has implemented a comprehensive advocacy strategy, including regional-specific slogans and targeted educational campaigns. The organization collaborates closely with regional health professionals to disseminate information and engage communities across various districts. This localized approach ensures that the message of prevention, early detection, and treatment reaches even the most remote areas, maximizing the impact of the vaccination program and mitigating the devastating effects of cervical cancer. The emphasis on community ownership and localized strategies reflects CDA Consult’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all Ghanaians.
The introduction of the HPV vaccine signifies a turning point in Ghana’s fight against cervical cancer. With just weeks remaining before the rollout, the nation is intensifying its efforts to build awareness, foster community ownership, and ensure preparedness across all regions. The education sector is poised to play a crucial role in this endeavor, serving as a vital link between the vaccination program and the target population of young girls. Experts like Ms. Jennifer Nelson, a preventive and occupational health management consultant, emphasize the critical importance of vaccination between the ages of 9 and 14, before the onset of sexual activity. This proactive approach is essential to preventing HPV infection and its associated cancers. The combined efforts of government, health organizations, community leaders, and the education sector are crucial in realizing the full potential of the HPV vaccination program and moving closer to a future free from cervical cancer.
