Free HPV vaccination can protect vulnerable populations against cervical cancer—Dr. Kumi

Dr. Lawrence Kumi, Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director of Caritas Christi Hospital in Ho, Volta Region, emphasized the importance of free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in protecting vulnerable groups, especially young women and girls, from HPV-related diseases such as cervical cancer.

"HPV vaccination offers long-term protection against HPV-related diseases, significantly benefiting individuals throughout their lives," Dr. Kumi said on Tuesday. "By providing free HPV vaccination, governments and health organizations can help prevent unnecessary deaths, enhance public health, and reduce healthcare costs."

Dr. Kumi made these remarks during a meeting with officials from Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult Limited (CDA Consult), joining them in national anti-cervical cancer advocacy efforts.

In partnership with Lifeline Haven Company Limited, CDA Consult has launched a five-year nationwide initiative to promote FREE HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) VACCINATION. The advocacy aims to improve prevention, early detection, and treatment to eradicate cervical cancer in Ghana.

The campaign also seeks to educate the public on cervical cancer risks and the urgent need for a unified approach to address this health issue. Dr. Kumi underscored that accessible and free HPV vaccination is crucial for Ghana to tackle the growing public health challenge posed by cervical cancer.

"Ghana can save lives and improve citizens' well-being by implementing these strategies," Dr. Kumi remarked, commending CDA Consult and its partners for their advocacy.

Dr. Kumi highlighted that free HPV vaccination can prevent cervical cancer, reduce the risk of genital warts, and protect against other HPV-related cancers. He also noted that benefits include herd immunity, reduced healthcare costs, and improved public health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations.

Francis Ameyibor, Executive Director of CDA Consult, urged the government and stakeholders to intensify efforts to combat cervical cancer, especially in lower-income communities. He expressed concern over the slow progress of national initiatives and emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach.

To mobilize support, CDA Consult has launched the Cervical Cancer Prevention Change Paradigm Advocacy campaign. This initiative promotes HPV vaccination, prevention, and treatment, while working to dispel myths around cervical cancer vaccination and screening.

The advocacy campaign also focuses on policy reform, training community health workers, and securing funding for HPV vaccination programs in low-income areas. Mr. Ameyibor stressed that accessible screening and treatment programs are essential for adolescents and young people, considering their specific healthcare and developmental needs.

Adding to the discussion, Ms. Jennifer Nelson, a Preventive and Occupational Health Management Consultant, highlighted the urgency of the issue. "A woman with cervical cancer is about twice as likely to die as a woman with breast cancer," she said. "Additionally, women living with HIV face a six-fold higher risk of developing cervical cancer compared to their HIV-negative counterparts." Ms. Nelson, CEO of Lifeline Haven Company Limited, stressed that increasing access to HPV vaccines, screening, and treatment is key to eliminating the global epidemic within a generation.

CDA Consult acknowledged the support of the National Insurance Commission and the Eastern Regional Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in its campaign. The organization also expressed gratitude for the efforts of global and national partners, including the Biden Cancer Moonshot, TogetHER for Health, and the World Health Organization.

In addition, CDA Consult recognized the contributions of individuals like Dr. Heather White of TogetHER for Health, Vanessa Bennett from Roche Diagnostics, Dr. Satish Gopal from the National Cancer Institute, Hannah Johnson from the George W. Bush Institute, and Dr. Pavani Ram from USAID, among others. Global Cancer Statistics 2020 estimates that cervical cancer claimed 341,843 lives worldwide in that year, underscoring the critical need for effective intervention.