A Shield for the Future: Tarkwa Nsuaem Launches Lifesaving HPV Vaccination Campaign

The campaign will provide the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to all girls between the ages of 9 and 14. The HPV virus is a common infection, primarily transmitted through sexual contact, and is responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancer cases worldwide. It can also cause infections in the throat and genital warts.

Speaking at a media briefing, the Municipal Director of Health, Wilhelmina Tiwaah Duah, painted a clear picture of the threat and the unprecedented opportunity for prevention.

“We know that the human papilloma virus is transmitted sexually, and 80% of people who are sexually active have this kind of virus within them,” Dr Duah explained. “It’s the infection that can translate into cancer.”

Her message was one of proactive love and community responsibility. She emphasized that the goal is not to treat cancer, but to prevent it from ever taking hold. “Once these girls grow up and become sexually active, we don’t want them to get to that stage where they will have to battle with cancers,” she said, her voice filled with conviction. “But rather, we prevent these kinds of cancers by fighting the virus that causes them.”

Dr Duah extended a heartfelt plea to the entire community—parents, caregivers, teachers, and school proprietors—to rally behind this lifesaving initiative.

“Let’s vaccinate our children from October 7th to 11th,” she urged, marking the critical five-day window for the vaccination drive. “We will be vaccinating all girls between the ages of 9-14 years with HPV vaccines, and this vaccine is going to protect the girls against cervical cancer that they might get in the future.”

This initiative represents more than just a medical procedure; it is a shield, a promise to the young daughters of Tarkwa Nsuaem. A community pledges to safeguard their dreams and futures from a preventable disease, ensuring they step into adulthood with confidence and health.

Source: Nana Esi Brew Monney

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