AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine has joined the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Health Directorate and other stakeholders to launch the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination campaign at the Akyempim Community Centre in the Western Region.
The campaign, which targets girls between the ages of 9 and 14, aims to protect them from cervical cancer — one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women globally.
Speaking on behalf of the Senior Manager for Sustainability of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, Mr. Stephen Adjei, the Communications Superintendent, Mr. Richard Ansong, described the initiative as a demonstration of the power of partnership in promoting preventive healthcare.
He emphasized the significance of the HPV vaccination as a powerful step towards protecting girls and ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.
Mr. Ansong also highlighted the mine’s sustained investment in the health sector across its host communities. These include the construction of a health centre at Samahu funded by the Community Trust Fund, the donation of two Toyota Hilux pickups to the Tarkwa Nsuaem and Prestea Huni-Valley health directorates, and the construction of a 60-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality, which is nearing completion.
The company has also built a fully resourced health centre and maternity block at Adieyie, equipped cervical cancer screening centres at Tarkwa and Bogoso hospitals, provided sanitary pads for adolescent girls, and regularly organized medical outreaches in host communities.
“AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine is proud to stand with you in this effort. Together, let us ensure that no girl in our communities suffers from a disease that can be prevented,” Mr. Ansong added.
The Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Health Director, Madam Wilhelmina Tiwaa Duah, explained that the vaccination campaign targets girls before they are exposed to the virus.
“The vaccination campaign is targeting children between the age of 9 years to 14 years to prevent cervical cancer development in future. Once the children have immunity against this particular virus, they cannot develop the infection which can lead to cancer,” she said.
She added that health teams will begin visiting schools and strategic community points from tomorrow to administer the vaccines to all eligible girls.
“This is not a new vaccine. It has been piloted in parts of the country since 2013, and so far, all the girls involved have remained safe and healthy. After this campaign, the HPV vaccine will become part of Ghana’s routine immunization schedule for all nine-year-old girls,” Madam Duah assured.
Cervical cancer is largely preventable through vaccination and early screening, and the HPV vaccine has been proven globally to offer significant protection.
The launch event brought together traditional leaders, education authorities, representatives from the Municipal Assembly, health professionals, the media, and community members.
The campaign forms part of Ghana’s nationwide effort to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat through early intervention and community collaboration.
Source: myinfotoday.com
