Deputy Health Minister urges Ghanaians to embrace Free HPV Vaccine to help fight Cervical Cancer

STATEMENT BY HON. COMFORT DOYOE CUDJOE, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR ADA AND DEPUTY MAJORITY WHIP ON THE INTRODUCTION OF THE HPV VACCINE IN GHANA Right Hon Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to make this statement on Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccination in Ghana. As the Women’s Caucus in the Parliament of Ghana, we stand together in full support of the national introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into Ghana’s routine Immunisation Programme. This milestone marks a bold step towards the protection of girls and women from cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among Ghanaian women. Mr. Speaker, we commend the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and all partners for the leadership shown in making this life-saving vaccine accessible to our dear daughters aged 9 to 14 free of charge. The HPV vaccine is not only a health intervention; it is a gender responsive intervention, giving girls the protection they need to live long, healthy lives and contribute fully to society. Mr. Speaker, it is sad to note that every year, we lose over 2,000 women to cervical cancer, not because we lack medicine, but because we lacked awareness, vaccine access, or early screening for prompt action. When a woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer, the impact goes far beyond her body. It affects her children, her household, her livelihood, and the entire community. She may be the caregiver, and breadwinner, and her illness creates a ripple effect that touches everyone around her. The physical toll is often devastating painful treatments, long hospital stays, and, in many cases, late-stage diagnosis. The emotional burden includes fear, stigma, and helplessness. But the economic cost is even heavier. Many families sell property, fall into debt, or lose income, simply to keep their mother, sister, or wife alive. To my dear women and families who have faced or are facing the pain of cervical cancer, we stand with you and hold your hands in strength and compassion. To those who have lost loved ones, please know that their memory lives on in our commitment to ensure others do not walk the same path. To my brave women who are still fighting, your courage inspires us every single day. You are not alone. Cervical cancer is a devastating disease, but it is also preventable. Together, we can protect the next generation of women and girls. We can end the silence, break the stigma, and raise our voices for better access to prevention, care, and hope. No woman should suffer when we can protect her before the danger begins. No girl should die from something we have the power to stop. As mothers, wives, sisters, and leaders, we understand the fears and myths that sometimes surround the introduction of new vaccines. Let us be clear that the HPV vaccine is safe and effective. The HPV vaccine is not entirely new in Ghana, it has long been available at a cost in private health facilities for those who can afford it. Thanks to the Government of Ghana, the vaccine is now being provided free of charge to girls aged 9-4 years through Ghana’s national Immunisation Programme from September this year. We encourage all parents, caregivers, and schools to take full advantage of this opportunity. We call on: Parents and caregivers to ensure their daughters receive the vaccine. Teachers and school heads support health teams during school vaccination sessions. Religious and traditional leaders use their influence to dispel misinformation and promote health-seeking behavior. Media practitioners promote and share accurate information and give voice to survivors and health experts, My fellow Honorable members, especially the men, to advocate in our constituencies for high uptake of the HPV vaccine and champion sustained investment in women’s health and the prevention of cervical cancer. Let us unite around this cause. Let us not wait until we bury another sister, mother, and friend. Let us make cervical cancer a disease of the past by ensuring every girl aged 9-14 years are vaccinated this September. Cervical cancer is preventable. The time to act is now. Protect our girls. Vaccinate. Save lives. I thank you once again, Rt. Hon. Speaker.

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𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐉𝐨𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐆𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐝𝐣𝐨𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐟𝐢 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥