The Western North Regional Health Directorate has commenced the nationwide Human Papillomavirus Virus (HPV) vaccination programme targeting 63,400 young girls in the region.
The exercise which would take place in all the nine districts, was meant for young girls between the ages of nine and 14 years.
As part of the campaign, a team from the Regional Health Directorate, Regional Coordinating Council, and the Regional Education Directorate visited selected schools to kick-start the campaign and sensitise young girls on the need to take the vaccine.
The visit took the team to the Wiawso College of Education Demonstration School, John Bitah Basic School, and Nakams Basic School all within the Wiawso Municipality.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) after the visit, Dr Paulina Clara Appiah, the Regional Director of Health, expressed satisfaction with the start of the campaign, and said the vaccines were safe, and encouraged young girls to take it for their protect from contracting cervical cancer.
“The vaccine is safe, and this is not the very first time it is being used in Ghana, it was first piloted in 2013 and for those who had the vaccines have had no issues,” she said.
She lauded the Government of Ghana and their partners at UNICEF and WHO for making the vaccine free in Ghana.
The Regional Director also used the opportunity to appeal to parents, religious and traditional authorities to encourage young girls to take the vaccine to help achieve its intended purpose.

Mr Wilbert Petty Brentum, the Western North Regional Minister, stated that cervical cancer was a dangerous disease that took the lives of many women.
He said: “Records show that about 2,800 women were infected with cervical cancer in 2020 alone with 1,700 losing their lives, and the HPV which is one of the major drivers, can be taken care of at an early stage that is why young girls need to take the vaccine seriously.”
He entreated residents to take the vaccination campaign seriously to achieve the desired results.