Vice President Prof. Jane Naana must champion free HPV Vaccination — CDA Consult

Ghana’s first female Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman, has been urged to use her office to champion policy initiatives that would make Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination free nationwide.

The call was made by the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) during an engagement session in observance of the 2025 Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. The organization emphasized the critical role free HPV vaccination could play in reducing cervical cancer rates in Ghana.

“We believe that making HPV vaccination free is a critical step toward reducing the incidence of cervical cancer in Ghana,” said Mr. Francis Ameyibor, Executive Director of CDA Consult.

Advocacy for Change

Mr. Ameyibor appealed to the government, particularly Vice President Prof. Opoku-Agyeman, to advocate for this life-saving intervention. He noted that ensuring free access to the HPV vaccine would significantly impact women's health, making it accessible to more women and girls across the country.

As part of the month-long activities marking Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, themed "Eliminating Cervical Cancer: A Shared Responsibility," CDA Consult highlighted the urgent need for collective action. This includes vaccination, early screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

“We call on the Vice President to join this advocacy. Her leadership could galvanize efforts to prioritize women's health and well-being,” Mr. Ameyibor stated.

A Shared Responsibility

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in January, seeks to raise awareness and promote cervical cancer prevention. In Ghana, cervical cancer claims thousands of lives annually, with many cases going untreated due to a lack of early detection and preventive measures.

CDA Consult, in collaboration with stakeholders including Caritas Christi Hospital, the National Insurance Commission, and regional health directors, has launched a five-year advocacy campaign. The program focuses on making HPV vaccination free, alongside promoting awareness, prevention, and treatment options.

Dr. Lawrence Kumi, Medical Director of Caritas Christi Hospital and a key supporter of the initiative, underscored the importance of early detection. “Cervical cancer is curable at any age if identified early. Raising awareness and ensuring accessible medical care are crucial steps in tackling this challenge,” he said.

A Call for Immediate Action

CDA Consult’s advocacy efforts have gained traction as they continue to push for policy changes. “We urge the government to prioritize the health and well-being of women and girls in Ghana,” said Mr. Ameyibor. “Making HPV vaccination free is a critical step toward reducing the incidence of cervical cancer and improving health outcomes for women.”

Vice President Prof. Opoku-Agyeman has been hailed as a beacon of hope for gender advocacy in Ghana, and many stakeholders are optimistic that her leadership will lead to transformative policies for women’s health.

As Ghana joins the global community in commemorating Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the call for free HPV vaccination serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address women’s health challenges and ensure that no woman is left behind.