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The Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA CONSULT) has called on Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman, to push for policy interventions that will make Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination free.
Mr. Francis Ameyibor, Executive Director of CDA Consult said as Ghana joined the global community to commemorate Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, which coincides with the swearing-in of Ghana’s first female Vice President, “we appeal to Prof. Opoku Agyeman to join the advocacy for free HPV vaccination.”
The 2025 theme for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is “Eliminating Cervical Cancer: A Shared Responsibility.” This theme emphasizes the need for collective action to prevent cervical cancer, which claims thousands of lives annually in Ghana.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set aside January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness on the disease and promote prevention and control efforts. CDA CONSULT has joined forces with global and local stakeholders to promote cervical cancer awareness and advocate free HPV vaccination in Ghana.
Mr. Ameyibor stated during an engagement organized by CDA Consult and Lifeline Haven Company Limited as part of activities to start the 2025 Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and congratulated President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman on their electoral victory. He emphasized the need for the new government to prioritize gender issues and ensure they received the attention they deserved. “CDA CONSULT is committed to advocating policies that promote holistic well-being with particular emphasis on women’s health and well-being,” Mr. Ameyibor stated.
Mr. Ameyibor stated, “We believe that making HPV vaccination free is a critical step towards reducing the incidence of cervical cancer in Ghana.” CDA CONSULT and partners have embarked on a five-year advocacy programme focused on free HPV vaccination, prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
He urged the government, particularly the Vice President, to make HPV vaccination free, considering the significant impact it will have on women’s health. The HPV vaccine is a critical tool in preventing cervical cancer, and making it free will ensure that more women and girls have access to this life-saving intervention. CDA CONSULT’s advocacy efforts are focused on creating awareness about the importance of HPV vaccination and pushing for policy changes that will make the vaccine free.
The organization is working with various stakeholders: Caritas Christi Hospital at Ho, Volta Region; National Insurance Commission; the Eastern Regional Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education; as well as government officials, healthcare professionals, and community leaders, to promote the importance of HPV vaccination and ensure that more women and girls have access to this critical intervention. CDA CONSULT is calling on the government, particularly the Vice President, to take immediate action to make HPV vaccination free.
“We urge the government to prioritize the health and well-being of women and girls in Ghana,” Mr. Ameyibor stated. “Making HPV vaccination free is a critical step towards reducing the incidence of cervical cancer and promoting women’s health.” CDA CONSULT’s advocacy efforts are critical in promoting women’s health and well-being in Ghana. By making HPV vaccination free, the government can significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer and improve women’s health outcomes.
“We urge the government to take immediate action to make HPV vaccination free and promote women’s health in Ghana,” Mr. Ameyibor stated. Dr. Lawrence Kumi, Chief Executive Officer of Caritas Christi Hospital, who joined the nationwide anti-cervical cancer advocacy campaign, stressed that cervical cancer was curable, but the crucial first step is identifying symptoms and getting medical advice to address any concerns. Dr. Kumi, who is also the Medical Director of Caritas Christi Hospital, while lauding the initiative, also called for concerted efforts to deal with the problem, stressing that cervical cancer can be cured at any age if signs or concerns are identified early.
Source: GNA
