Introduction
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections globally. In 90% of people, the body naturally clears the virus; in some people, however, HPV can cause cancers, including cervical cancer. HPV is associated with more than 99% of cases of cervical cancer.
What is cervical cancer?
It is cancer of the lower part of the womb. Cervical cancer develops when the cells at the lower part of the womb become abnormal and start to grow out of control.
What causes cervical cancer?
The primary cause of cervical cancer is HPV.
Who is at risk of getting HPV and cervical cancer?
- Persons not vaccinated against HPV
- Early initiation into sexual activity
- Unprotected sex with multiple partners
- A weak immune system
What are the signs or symptoms of cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer may not show signs or symptoms at the early stage of the disease.
Therefore, it is important for women to go for regular cervical check-ups.
At the latter stages, signs and symptoms may include:
- 1. Unusual vaginal discharge, offensive smelling and blood stained vaginal
discharge - 2. Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- 3. Painful sexual intercourse
- 4. Bleeding after menopause
How can cervical cancer be prevented?
Vaccinating against HPV:
- 1. Vaccination against HPV is the most effective way to preventing cervical cancer. The vaccines works best if given before people are exposed to the virus. Best given to preteens (around 11-12) but can be given as early as 9 and up to age 45 after discussing with a doctor.
- 2. Cervical screening and early treatment of cervical lesions: Regular tests detect precancerous cell changes before they become caner.
- 3. Abstaining from early sex: Reduces the overall lifetime number of sexual partners and he duration of potential exposure to HPV
- 4. Avoiding multiple sexual partners: This will reduce your chances of exposure to the HPV.
- 5. Healthy lifestyle: Regular exercise and healthy balanced diet helps maintain overall health.
When did the national HPV vaccination program begin in Ghana?
The HPV vaccine was integrated into Ghana’s routine immunization program in October 2025 following a nationwide campaign that took place in early October 2025. The vaccination is targeted at all girls aged 9-14 years.
What is the vaccination schedule in Ghana?
The HPV vaccine called Gardasil 4 which has been approved by the Food and Drugs Authority has been selected for the use in Ghana for the HPV Vaccination Programme. It is given as a single dose in the form of an injection usually in the left upper arm.
Which HPV vaccines have been approved by the FDA?
The following HPV vaccines have been approved for use in Ghana:
- 1. Gardasil 9 (Pre-Filled Syringe & Vial)
2. Gardasil 4
3. Cervarix (Pre-Filled Syringe & Vial) - 4. Cecolin Vaccine
Which HPV vaccines are available in private health facilities?
- 1. Gardasil 9 (Pre-Filled Syringe & Vial)
- 2. Cervarix (Pre-Filled Syringe & Vial)
- 3. Cecolin Vaccine
Is HPV vaccination new in Ghana?
No, HPV vaccines have been licensed for use and with continuous monitoring by FDA
in Ghana for over 10 years.
The Government of Ghana successfully introduced HPV vaccine in 2013-2015 in three
regions namely; Greater Accra, Central and Northern regions and is now rolling it out
as part of routine immunization for all girls aged 9-14 years to receive lifesaving
protection.
Is the HPV vaccine free?
Yes. The HPV vaccine is offered free of charge as part of Ghana’s National Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) for eligible girls in public health facilities.
What are the benefits of HPV vaccine?
HPV vaccine protects against persistent HPV infection and related diseases, including genital warts and cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva and anus.
Does the HPV vaccine treat existing HPV infection or cervical cancer?
No. The HPV vaccine is a preventive measure. It works by teaching the body’s immune system to fight off future HPV infection. It does not treat existing HPV infections, genital warts, or cancers caused by the virus.
Where can one get the vaccine?
The vaccine is available through the national immunization program. The primary approach for delivery includes:
- 1. Schools
- 2. Designated vaccination points in the community
- 3. Health facilities
Can boys get the HPV vaccine in Ghana?
The national vaccination program currently targets girls aged 9-14 years to prevent cervical cancer. All other persons can receive the vaccine as a paid service from private healthcare facilities.
Are there any possible side effects after HPV vaccination?
Th HPV vaccines are safe with mild side effects. Like most vaccines, the most common side effect include the underlisted:
- 1. Pain, swelling, redness at the site of injection
2. Headache
3. Fever
4. Dizziness
5. Vomiting - 6. Stomach upset
What should you do when you experience side effects?
Seek medical advice from you healthcare provider when experiencing side effect for
management. Report all side effects to your healthcare provider or directly to the FDA using the
channels below:
- 1. Download and complete the Med Safety App (Google Play Store or App Store)
2. Complete and submit http://adr.fdaghana.gov.gh/patient.php:
3. Call Mobile No. 024 4310 297
4. Call Hot line No. 0308250070 the report online at
5. Download and complete the Adverse Reaction reporting form and submit it at
the nearest health facility.
What happens to report of side effects submitted to the FDA?
When reports of suspected side effects are submitted to the FDA, they are carefully reviewed by an independent committee of experts known as the Technical Advisory Committee on Safety of Vaccines and Biological Products (TAC-VBP). This committee performs causality assessment to determine whether the reported adverse events are linked to the vaccine.
The committee includes experts such as; pathologist, immunization specialist, clinical pharmacist, immunology and clinical research expert, paediatrician, transfusion medicine specialist, epidemiologist, consumer representative and neurologist.
Who should NOT receive HPV vaccine?
- 1. Girls with known severe allergic reaction to yeast
- 2. Girls who are seriously ill, however they can receive the vaccine after recovery
3. A pregnant adolescent
References
- 1. Ghana Health Service. (2025, September). *Ghana to launch nationwide HPV
vaccination campaign in September 2025 to protect young girls from cervical
cancer.* Ghana Health Service. https://ghs.gov.gh/news-and-events/ghana-to
launch-nationwide-hpv-vaccination-campaign-in-september-2025-to-protect
young-girls-from-cervical-cancer
2. UNICEF Ghana. (2025). *What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine?*
UNICEF.
https://www.unicef.org/ghana/stories/what-human-papillomavirus
hpv-vaccine
3. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. (2024). *HPV vaccine
introduction in Ghana: Technical brief.* Johns Hopkins University.
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/sites/default/files/2024-02/1hpv-vaccine
introduction-in-ghanaax.pdf
4. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. (2024). *A single-dose HPV
vaccination as the way forward in Ghana.* Johns Hopkins University.
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/sites/default/files/2024-02/2single-dose-hpv
vaccination-in-ghanaax.pdf
5. World Health Organization. (2022, December). *Human papillomavirus
vaccines: WHO position paper.*
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/who-wer9749-645-672WHO.
6. World Health Organization. (2024). *Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination
coverage data.*
WHO Immunization Data Portal.https://immunizationdata.who.int/global/wiise-detail-page/humanpapillomavirus-%28hpv%29-vaccination-coverage
7. The Lancet Infectious Diseases. (2025). *Immunogenicity and safety of an
Escherichia coli-produced bivalent human papillomavirus vaccine in girls aged
9–14 years in Ghana and Bangladesh.**The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 25*(3).
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS14733099%2825%2900031-3/fulltexty
8. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. (2024). *Human papillomavirus – Gavi support.* Gavi.
https://www.gavi.org/types-support/vaccine-support/human-papillomavirus
