Widespread free HPV vaccination can lead to herd immunity—Dr. Kumi

Dr. Lawrence Kumi, Chief Executive Officer of Caritas Christi Hospital in Ho, Volta Region, stated on Monday that widespread Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination could create herd immunity, protecting those who are unvaccinated or have weakened immune systems.

He emphasized that free HPV vaccination could lead to better public health outcomes, especially in low- and middle-income countries with limited healthcare access. "Preventing HPV-related diseases can reduce healthcare costs in the long run," Dr. Kumi noted.

The CEO underscored that making HPV vaccination free could increase vaccination rates, particularly among underserved populations, help reduce health disparities, and protect vulnerable groups.

Dr. Kumi, also the Medical Director of Caritas Christi Hospital, made these remarks during a meeting with officials from the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult Limited (CDA Consult) in Ho, part of a national anti-cervical cancer advocacy campaign.

In partnership with Lifeline Haven Company Limited, CDA Consult has launched a five-year nationwide advocacy initiative for free HPV vaccination, aiming to scale up prevention, detection, and treatment to eliminate cervical cancer in Ghana. The campaign also seeks to raise public awareness about the risks of cervical cancer and the need for collective action.

Dr. Kumi highlighted the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation that all girls aged 9–14 should receive the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related illnesses. He added that the WHO advocates for vaccinating multiple age cohorts to quickly reduce HPV prevalence and prevent related diseases.

"WHO's position is that free HPV vaccination should be integrated into national immunization programs, making it accessible to all eligible individuals," Dr. Kumi said, commending CDA Consult's advocacy, which aligns with the WHO's vision.

CDA Consult’s Executive Director, Mr. Francis Ameyibor, explained that the campaign aligns with the WHO’s global goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health issue and aims to increase HPV vaccination coverage by 2030.

“CDA Consult has localized the global action plan by advocating for free HPV vaccination in Ghana,” Mr. Ameyibor stated, noting that the organization and its partners are calling on Ghana to include HPV vaccination in the national immunization schedule, making it routine for all eligible individuals.

"We’re urging the government to allocate funds to procure HPV vaccines and cover vaccination costs," he said. “We are also working to collaborate with organizations like Gavi, WHO, and UNICEF to access funding, technical support, and vaccine supplies to ensure free HPV vaccination in the country.”

Mr. Ameyibor further stated that CDA Consult is seeking partnerships with the private sector to support the free HPV vaccination program through corporate social responsibility initiatives or public-private partnerships.

The organization also aims to advocate for HPV vaccination to be included in the national health insurance scheme, making it accessible and free for insured individuals.

CDA Consult plans to conduct school-based HPV vaccination education programs targeting adolescents and young girls, leveraging existing school infrastructure. The campaign will also provide training for healthcare workers to administer vaccines, promote vaccination awareness, and offer holistic health reporting training for journalists.

CDA Consult’s Cervical Cancer Prevention Change Paradigm Advocacy campaign not only champions free HPV vaccination but also aims to dispel myths and provide information on screening and treatment to aid in cervical cancer elimination in Ghana. The advocacy initiative also seeks funding to support HPV vaccination efforts in low- and lower-middle-income communities in Ghana, pushing for policy change and capacity-strengthening programs to elevate the skills of community health workers.

Ms. Jennifer Nelson, a Preventive and Occupational Health Management Consultant and CEO of Lifeline Haven Company Limited, emphasized the severe threat of cervical cancer. “A woman with cervical cancer is about twice as likely to die as a woman with breast cancer,” she noted, adding that women living with HIV are at six times the risk of developing cervical cancer compared to their HIV-negative counterparts.

Ms. Nelson pointed out, “We could eliminate the global cervical cancer epidemic in a generation if more people had access to HPV vaccines and screening, but there aren’t enough resources to fund these essential programs.”

CDA Consult has expressed gratitude to the National Insurance Commission for its support of the project and acknowledged the Eastern Regional Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) for joining the campaign.