Your new experience awaits. Try the new design now and help us make it even better

OPINION article

Front. Glob. Women’s Health, 15 September 2025

Sec. Infectious Diseases in Women

Volume 6 - 2025 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fgwh.2025.1667727

National human papillomavirus vaccination (GH_PV) programme: Ghana at a crossroads; is vaccine supply alone enough to ensure success?


Kwabena Amo-Antwi,
Kwabena Amo-Antwi1,2*Yvonne NarteyYvonne Nartey3Ramatu Agambire,Ramatu Agambire2,4Akwasi Antwi-Kusi
Akwasi Antwi-Kusi1
  • 1School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology/Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
  • 2Walter Aiden Specialist Clinic, Asokwa-Kumasi, Ghana
  • 3Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
  • 4Department of Nursing, Garden City University College, Kumasi, Ghana

1 Introduction

Ghana stands at a critical point to include human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) to combat cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer in Ghana (1). The role of high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV), particularly HPV 16 and 18, in cervical carcinogenesis is firmly established by both local and international studies (2, 3). Annually, around 407 cervical cancer cases are managed at the two largest cancer treatment centres in the country, with a low overall 3-year survival rate of 39% (4, 5). In straightforward terms, if 10 cases are diagnosed today, only about 4 will survive for 3 years post-diagnosis.

The Ghana Health Service released a memorandum on June 2, 2025, to include the HPV vaccine in the routine immunisation schedules of all regions by September 2025. This commendable and timely project breaks new ground in the fight against cervical cancer; however, significant questions remain unanswered.

1.1 Health system readiness and capacity

Ghana, with its elaborate and well-structured health care system spanning from the Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds to the referral tertiary institutions, has achieved an overall high vaccine access and utilisation, from the inception of the EPI programme to date. The EPI implements a standardised series of preparatory activities for the introduction of each new vaccine. This process encompasses meetings of the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group (NITAG), planning sessions, budget formulation, training for health workers, communicators, and journalists, as well as the establishment of a monitoring and reporting system for both the campaign and routine immunisation. However, challenges persist regarding regional disparity in coverage, as seen in the current malaria vaccine rollout, which should inform critical appraisal of operational gaps and institution of solutions (6, 7). HPV vaccines must be stored and transported at temperatures ranging from 2 to 8 degrees Celsius across all 16 regions of Ghana. The existence of the three Walk-In Cold Rooms (WICRs), each with a capacity of 40 cubic metres, provides a net storage capacity of 28,571 L for vaccine preservation, thereby optimising storage for the national HPV vaccination programme. It is commendable that the 10 new 20 cubic-metre WICRs, six for newly established regions and four for contingencies, can maintain the chain up to the regional level. The receipt and handling of the vaccine at the facility level is the delicate end of the cold chain, which is of much concern. Although the country has received 567 Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) units from the Cold Chain Equipment Optimisation Platform 2, this is insufficient to meet the needs of approximately 2,000 health facilities at the district and facility levels, which lack cold chain equipment. While further support for CCE is anticipated from Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other collaborators to address existing gaps, it is of paramount importance that regional, district, and facility heads of deprived sites should actively plan and coordinate regularly with nearby endowed health facilities for vaccine storage and transport.

In addition to the availability of the cold chain, it is essential to monitor the equipment for temperature incursions, which must be promptly identified and addressed to maintain vaccine efficacy. The cold chain temperature should be monitored at least twice a day, including weekends, alongside the continuous monitoring devices at the national level that offer 24 h temperature visibility within the WICR.

1.2 Target population and coverage strategy

The target age group aligns with World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations, which focus on individuals aged 9–14 years (8). Per the compulsory basic education policy in Ghana, most of such girls will be in the upper primary and junior secondary school. The GH_PV programme roll-out is nationwide, ensuring coverage of out-of-school girls in the inner-city suburbs, including the “Kayayo herd porters” and daughters of pastoralist nomads, is paramount.

To promote an all-inclusive strategy for the vulnerable population, eligible girls in schools or communities receive vaccinations without inquiring about their HIV status. Targeting established specialised ART clinics nationwide will ensure that no eligible girl is overlooked, while also maintaining privacy and confidentiality. The existing EPI programme has faced challenges in reaching hard-to-reach populations, particularly island communities in the northern and southeastern regions of the Volta Basin in Ghana. These sites necessitate focused attention through the standard program, along with supplementary vaccination via targeted outreach initiatives to improve access and coverage.

1.3 Vaccine hesitancy and cultural sensitivity

Health provider communication (HPC) to parents and guardians is crucial in the uptake of the HPV vaccine (initiation, completion, and follow-through) (9). Other key persons/groups include adolescent groups, opinion leaders, and religious groups. The communication must identify guardian- or parent-specific hesitations and concerns, and address them promptly to enhance parental knowledge of the vaccine (10). Such communication must extend beyond vaccine safety and the prevention of cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers to encompass vaccine efficacy against benign hyperproliferative epithelial lesions, including genital warts and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, as well as cancers of the oropharynx, skin, and penis (1113).

Adequate community education on the efficacy of the vaccine against these HPV-related diseases, presented in a clear and comprehensible manner, is essential for mitigating scepticism and addressing cultural sensitivities associated with the introduction of the vaccine. It is necessary to frame the HPV vaccine as a tool for protecting future mothers, not as linked to sexual behaviour. While the EPI communication arm, with its team of specialists, deserves applause for often crafting messages with appropriate content for previous exercises, similar attention is required for the GH_PV programme. Comprehensive sexual education of the adolescent and young individual has the potential to contribute significantly to the programme. The implementation of the programme can build on this critical phase in the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) by engaging teachers and educational sector leaders as strategic partners. Drawing on their pedagogical expertise and contextual understanding, these collaborations can facilitate the development and dissemination of culturally sensitive and socially acceptable messages aimed at increasing vaccine uptake among eligible school-aged girl.

1.4 Data recording and monitoring

Ensuring the collection and use of high-quality data during the HPV vaccine roll-out is critical to achieving coverage of at least 90% among eligible girls. Robust data systems will not only support effective monitoring and evaluation but also safeguard Ghana's progress towards the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health concern.

Both electronic and paper-based tools would be required to guarantee data completeness and accuracy. Past assessments of immunization data systems have identified challenges, including incomplete data and delays in reporting (14). In the context of the new campaign, it is advisable to hold onto vaccination registers, tally sheets, and summary reporting forms to collect case-based data. Furthermore, it is recommended that data aggregates be submitted to the national level through electronic platforms such as Google Sheets. To ensure data quality and accuracy, however, routine data recording and reporting tools may need to be revised and reformatted to integrate HPV vaccination indicators within the District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2) and Ghana's Health Management Information System (HMIS). This should include the capture of adverse events following immunisation (AEFIs), either electronically or through reporting to the nearest health facility.

Implementing a robust data system for real-time tracking of vaccine coverage and stock management is essential for program sustainability. A critical component of the program is the rapid response to events to alleviate concerns regarding vaccine hesitancy, which could adversely affect vaccine uptake. Designated personnel from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and Ghana Health Service (GHS) should monitor all reported or suspected AEFIs, and the vaccine recipient must receive appropriate treatment. Given the susceptibility of data capture to human error, it is essential to approach data collection, capture and associated triangulations with particular attention to ensure the accuracy of the data.

As the programme advances, surveillance of HPV-infection-related endpoints can serve as a proxy estimate for assessing the early impact of the GH_PV vaccination programs. In the long term, data from existing population cancer registries will provide more reliable information on the burden of HPV-related conditions in the country over time hereby enabling continuous monitoring of progress towards cervical cancer elimination.

1.5 Sustainability and financing

The Government's decision to uncap monetary support from the 10% health sector allocation of National Health Insurance Levy Proceeds for the health budget, including immunisation, is timely. While initial funding from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) and other partners is essential, mobilising domestic financing as the programme transitions in 5 years (2030) must not present a challenge if preparations are started in earnest.

Also, in our quest to sustain and fund the new vaccine programme, Public-Private Partnerships must be explored in time to enhance domestic revenue mobilisation efforts, to ensure the GH_PV programme beyond Gavi support. As Ghana transitions from Gavi support, Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) should be actively explored as a mechanism for enhancing domestic revenue mobilisation and ensuring financial sustainability. Experiences from other low- and middle-income countries illustrate the potential of PPPs in strengthening immunisation systems. For instance, in Nigeria, collaborations with telecommunications companies have supported mobile technology for vaccine reminders and data reporting, while in Kenya and South Africa, partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and non-governmental organisations have facilitated HPV vaccine delivery in schools (15, 16). Leveraging private sector resources, innovation, and technical expertise could complement government efforts in Ghana, ensuring uninterrupted vaccine procurement, distribution, and delivery.

The EPI already provides routine immunisation services across the nation, effectively integrated into the primary healthcare system from the national to the community level. The intricate network of Community health nurses and officers will be evermore required to provide vaccination services using diverse strategies, including static points, mobile teams, and campouts in underserved areas. The Ministry of Health, as mandated by law, will have to diligently continue to recruit new staff to address gaps in the human workforce necessary for the nationwide delivery of immunisation services. The target population for the HPV vaccination must be accurately estimated periodically through data triangulation from multiple sources (Ghana Statistical Service, the Ministry of Education, and the United Nations) to enhance accuracy for adequate resource planning and deployment, thereby minimising stockouts and missed opportunities. Leveraging existing school health and adolescent programs may also offer opportunities to sustain the program.

1.6 Future considerations

Bivalent vaccines (containing types 16 and 18) have demonstrated significant cross-protection efficacy against cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) resulting from infections with types HPV 31 and HPV 33 (17). Notably, the subregion has a low presence of HPV 31, a vaccine-type hr-HPV, in women with cervical cancer (1820). This supports the suggestion that HPV 31 infections rapidly clear after primary contact, reducing its carcinogenic potential (21). However, several sub-regional studies have documented significant levels of HPV 35 infections in women from a wide spectrum of the female population (18, 2224). Likewise, non-vaccine low-risk types, HPV 43 and 44, featured more prominently than HPV 6 and 11. This knowledge of genotypic distribution in Ghana has implications for future vaccine choices and impact, as the protection afforded by the HPV vaccine is type-specific. Further studies on HPV 35, 43 and 44 strains for possible inclusion in future vaccines are a laudable step. Evidence supporting the effectiveness of a single-dose HPV vaccine is growing, and adopting this approach could improve coverage and reduce logistical burdens (25).

2 Conclusion

Introducing HPV vaccination in Ghana for all girls aged 9–14 years in all regions is a feasible and achievable goal. The healthcare provider's knowledge of HPV vaccination is central to the success of the GH_PV programme. However, it demands a well-coordinated, system-wide response, and strengthening the health system's readiness and capacity will ensure that Ghana can protect its girls and young women from preventable cervical cancer, contributing to better health outcomes and advancing gender equity in health.

Author contributions

KA-A: Conceptualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. YN: Conceptualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. RA: Writing – review & editing. AA-K: Writing – review & editing.

Funding

The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article.

Acknowledgments

The authors express gratitude for the assistance provided by Dr. Patience Dapaah of PATH-Ghana and Dr. Ruth Owusu, Head of the Public Health Unit at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana, during the preparation of this opinion article. We extend our sincere gratitude to Prof. Emeritus Carolyn Johnston, Prof. Richard William Lieberman, and Dr. T.O. Konney, HOD of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr George Osei Prempeh, Dr Kofi Dekyi, all trainee fellows of the Unit of Gynaecologic Oncology at KATH, as well as staff of Walter Aiden Physicians and Surgeons Group, Asokwa-Kumasi, Ghana.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Generative AI statement

The author(s) declare that no Generative AI was used in the creation of this manuscript.

Any alternative text (alt text) provided alongside figures in this article has been generated by Frontiers with the support of artificial intelligence and reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, including review by the authors wherever possible. If you identify any issues, please contact us.

Publisher's note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

References

1. Laryea DO, Awuah B, Amoako YA, Osei-Bonsu E, Dogbe J, Larsen-Reindorf R, et al. Cancer incidence in Ghana, 2012: evidence from a population-based cancer registry. BMC Cancer. (2014) 14:362. doi: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-362

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

2. Bernard HU, Burk RD, Chen Z, van Doorslaer K, zur Hausen H, de Villiers EM. Classification of papillomaviruses (PVs) based on 189 PV types and proposal of taxonomic amendments. Virology. (2010) 401(1):70–9. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2010.02.002

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

3. Ghittoni R, Accardi R, Chiocca S, Tommasino M. Role of human papillomaviruses in carcinogenesis. Ecancermedicalscience. (2015) 9:526. doi: 10.3332/ecancer.2015.526

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

4. Nartey Y, Hill PC, Amo-Antwi K, Nyarko KM, Yarney J, Cox B. Cervical cancer in the greater Accra and Ashanti regions of Ghana. J Glob Oncol. (2016) 3(6):782–90. doi: 10.1200/JGO.2016.005744

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

5. Nartey Y, Hill PC, Amo-Antwi K, Nyarko KM, Yarney J, Cox B. Factors contributing to the low survival among women with a diagnosis of invasive cervical cancer in Ghana. Int J Gynecol Cancer. (2017) 27(9):1926–34. doi: 10.1097/IGC.0000000000001088

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

6. Asamoah A, Ebu Enyan NI, Diji AKA, Domfeh C. Cold chain management by healthcare providers at a district in Ghana: a mixed methods study. BioMed Res Int. (2021) 2021:7559984. doi: 10.1155/2021/7559984

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

7. Grant J, Gyan T, Agbokey F, Webster J, Greenwood B, Asante KP. Challenges and lessons learned during the planning and early implementation of the RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine in three regions of Ghana: a qualitative study. Malar J. (2022) 21(1):147. doi: 10.1186/s12936-022-04168-9

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

8. Simelela PN. WHO global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem: an opportunity to make it a disease of the past. Int J Gynecol Obstet. (2021) 152(1):1–3.

Google Scholar

9. Oh NL, Biddell CB, Rhodes BE, Brewer NT. Provider communication and HPV vaccine uptake: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Prev Med. (2021) 148:106554. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106554

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

10. Ghazy RM, Kyei-Arthur F, Saleeb M, Kyei-Gyamfi S, Abutima T, Sakada IG, et al. Examining vaccine hesitancy among Ghanaian parents for the R21/matrix-M malaria vaccine. J Pediatr Health Care. (2024) 38(6):873–85. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2024.05.010

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

11. Adu EJK, Koranteng A. Malignant skin tumours in kumasi: a five year review. Postgrad Med J Ghana. (2015) 4(2):45–50. doi: 10.60014/pmjg.v4i2.146

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

12. Adanu KK, Toboh B, Akpakli E, Monney M, Asiedu I, Nyinah M, et al. Penile carcinoma: a report of two cases treated by partial penectomy, its effects on quality of life and review of literature. Pan Afr Med J. (2022) 41:33. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2022.41.33.29970

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

13. Der EM, Antwi KF, Adjeso TJK. The patterns of head and neck tumours in Northern Ghana: a histopathological review in a tertiary referral hospital in Northern Ghana. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. (2022) 8(12):946–56. doi: 10.18203/issn.2454-5929.ijohns20223042

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

14. Rahmadhan MAWP, Handayani PW. Challenges of vaccination information system implementation: a systematic literature review. Hum Vaccines Immunother. (2023) 19(2):2257054. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2257054

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

15. Eze P, Agu SA, Agu UJ, Acharya Y. Acceptability of mobile-phone reminders for routine childhood vaccination appointments in Nigeria—a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Health Serv Res. (2021) 21:1276. doi: 10.1186/s12913-021-07296-1

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

16. Watson-Jones D, Mugo N, Lees S, Mathai M, Vusha S, Ndirangu G, et al. Access and attitudes to HPV vaccination amongst hard-to-reach populations in Kenya. PLoS One. (2015) 10(6):e0123701. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123701

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

17. Malagón T, Drolet M, Boily MC, Franco EL, Jit M, Brisson J, et al. Cross-protective efficacy of two human papillomavirus vaccines: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Infect Dis. (2012) 12(10):781–9. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(12)70187-1

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

18. Nartey Y, Amo-Antwi K, Hill PC, Dassah ET, Asmah RH, Nyarko KM, et al. Human papillomavirus genotype distribution among women with and without cervical cancer: implication for vaccination and screening in Ghana. PLoS One. (2023) 18(1):e0280437. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280437

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

19. Krings A, Boateng G, Dunyo P, Amuah JE, Adams RA, Adunyame L, et al. Dynamics of genotype-specific HPV clearance and reinfection in rural Ghana may compromise HPV screening approaches. Papillomavirus Res Amst Neth. (2019) 7:45–51. doi: 10.1016/j.pvr.2018.12.004

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

20. Keita N, Clifford GM, Koulibaly M, Douno K, Kabba I, Haba M, et al. HPV Infection in women with and without cervical cancer in Conakry, Guinea. Br J Cancer. (2009) 101(1):202–8. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6605140

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

21. Lehtinen M, Paavonen J, Wheeler CM, Jaisamrarn U, Garland SM, Castellsagué X, et al. Overall efficacy of HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine against grade 3 or greater cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: 4-year end-of-study analysis of the randomised, double-blind PATRICIA trial. Lancet Oncol. (2012) 13(1):89–99. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(11)70286-8

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

22. van Aardt MC, Dreyer G, Pienaar HF, Karlsen F, Hovland S, Richter KL, et al. Unique human papillomavirus-type distribution in South African women with invasive cervical cancer and the effect of human immunodeficiency virus infection. Int J Gynecol Cancer. (2015) 25(5):919–25. doi: 10.1097/IGC.0000000000000422

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

23. Maranga IO, Hampson L, Oliver AW, He X, Gichangi P, Rana F, et al. HIV Infection alters the Spectrum of HPV subtypes found in cervical smears and carcinomas from Kenyan women. Open Virol J. (2013) 7:19–27. doi: 10.2174/1874357901307010019

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

24. Didelot-Rousseau MN, Nagot N, Costes-Martineau V, Vallès X, Ouedraogo A, Konate I, et al. Human papillomavirus genotype distribution and cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions among high-risk women with and without HIV-1 infection in Burkina Faso. Br J Cancer. (2006) 95(3):355–62. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6603252

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

25. Barnabas RV, Brown ER, Onono MA, Bukusi EA, Njoroge B, Winer RL, et al. Efficacy of single-dose HPV vaccination among young African women. NEJM Evid. (2022) 1(5):EVIDoa2100056. doi: 10.1056/EVIDoa2100056

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Keywords: cervical cancer, genital warts, nationwide human papillomavirus vaccination campaign, expanded programme on immunization, GH_PV programme

Citation: Amo-Antwi K, Nartey Y, Agambire R and Antwi-Kusi A (2025) National human papillomavirus vaccination (GH_PV) programme: Ghana at a crossroads; is vaccine supply alone enough to ensure success?. Front. Glob. Women's Health 6:1667727. doi: 10.3389/fgwh.2025.1667727

Received: 17 July 2025; Accepted: 1 September 2025;
Published: 15 September 2025.

Edited by:

Bandit Chumworathayi, Khon Kaen University, Thailand

Reviewed by:

Julio Cesar Gonzalez Rodriguez, National Institute of Cancerology (INCAN), Mexico

Copyright: © 2025 Amo-Antwi, Nartey, Agambire and Antwi-Kusi. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Kwabena Amo-Antwi, YW1vYW50d2lrd2FiZW5hQHlhaG9vLmNvbQ==; a3dhYmVuYS5hbW8tYW50d2lAa251c3QuZWR1Lmdo

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.