By Rukaya Mumuni, Founder, Wage Foundation
As Ghana prepares for the nationwide rollout of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in September 2025, the Wage Foundation is actively contributing to this historic public health initiative through targeted awareness campaigns on cervical cancer prevention and HPV vaccination. Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Ghana, despite being largely preventable through early vaccination and regular screening.
In support of Ghana Health Service’s efforts, Wage Foundation has begun grassroots education aimed at empowering communities with accurate, lifesaving information. Our goal is to ensure that parents, adolescents, and community members understand the importance of HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer and are fully prepared for the upcoming vaccine introduction.
School-Based Outreach: Educating Future Generations
Our first outreach event was held at a junior high school in the Greater Accra Region, where over 200 students were engaged in an interactive educational session. The students learned about how HPV is transmitted, its link to cervical cancer, and the safety and benefits of the HPV vaccine.
Through storytelling, visual aids, and open dialogue, we demystified cervical cancer and addressed myths and misconceptions about the vaccine. The students responded with enthusiasm, and many expressed a commitment to sharing the information with their families and peers.
Community Engagement: Reaching Women Where They Are
In addition to our school outreach, we organized a community education session in a peri-urban area, reaching 100 women. Many of these women had limited prior knowledge about cervical cancer and the role of HPV in its development. Our team provided culturally sensitive health education, emphasizing the importance of early prevention and the availability of free HPV vaccination for young girls as part of Ghana’s expanded immunization program.
We also highlighted the need for regular cervical cancer screening among adult women, particularly those over 25 years of age, to detect early changes that could lead to cancer. Women were given practical guidance on where to access screening services and encouraged to serve as advocates for HPV vaccination in their families and communities.
Addressing Stigma and Building Trust
A central part of our campaign is reducing stigma associated with cervical cancer and reproductive health. We are working to create safe spaces where individuals can discuss their concerns and receive evidence-based information without fear or judgment. Our community leaders and health educators are trained to promote vaccine confidence and dispel fears that may hinder vaccine uptake.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Up for Impact
With the September vaccine rollout approaching, the Wage Foundation is committed to expanding our awareness efforts to more schools and communities across Ghana. Our next phase will include training peer educators, distributing educational materials, and collaborating with local health facilities to ensure a smooth vaccine introduction.
We believe that education is the first step in equipping communities with knowledge is essential to achieving high HPV vaccine coverage and ultimately eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat in Ghana.
We call on all stakeholders, parents, teachers, community leaders, and health workers to join us in this mission. Together, we can protect the next generation of girls from cervical cancer and build a healthier future for all.
Join Us
To support or partner with us in future outreach efforts, contact the Wage Foundation via www.wagefoundation.org