Week-Long HPV Vaccination Campaign Launched In G/Kru

By Emmanuel Koffa

The Grand Kru County Health Team (GKCHT), has officially launched a week-long Multi-Age Cohort Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign.

The vaccine targets girls aged nine to 18.

The launch was in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH), and several national and international organizations.

The well-attended ceremony brought together government officials, community leaders, school authorities, health workers, partners, parents, and students.

On behalf of Superintendent Antoinette Wowlee Nimely, Roosevelt Doe thanked MoH and partners for their sustained support in strengthening healthcare delivery in the county.

“We are grateful to MoH, UNICEF, WHO, Gavi, and all our partners for standing with the people of Grand Kru,” Doe said.

He urged communities to take the HPV vaccine seriously, adding: “This vaccine is not a joke. It is important for the future of our girls. I encourage everyone here to be ambassadors, and tell others about the benefits.”

Doe also reflected on the impact of preventable diseases, noting that many lives have been lost due to illnesses that could have been prevented.

Monday, November 17 was declared the official launch of the campaign

“The Office of the Superintendent will continue to work closely with the county health team to ensure that every girl in the targeted ages is vaccinated.”

UNICEF Immunization Consultant in the county, Joseph Saah, expressed UNICEF’s support for the campaign.

Saah assured stakeholders of the organization’s readiness to reach every eligible girl.

Over 15,000 doses of the HPV vaccine had been supplied to the county.

The campaign seeks to protect girls from the Human Papillomavirus, the leading cause of cervical cancer, one of the deadliest cancers affecting women and girls.