Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has dismissed claims circulating on social media that cast doubt on the safety of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, labelling them as false and dangerous.
He cautioned that such misinformation discourages the public from taking vaccines that play a crucial role in preventing life-threatening diseases.
Speaking at the national launch of the HPV Vaccination Campaign in Osu on Wednesday, October 8, Mr. Akandoh urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children, particularly girls aged 9 to 14, receive the vaccine to help fight cervical cancer in Ghana.
He also encouraged the public to ignore misinformation and conspiracy theories surrounding the vaccine.
“Anytime there’s an introduction of a new vaccine, then the conspiracy theories start, and it has already started. Let me assure you that this HPV vaccine is safe and effective. Ghana is not the first country to administer the HPV vaccine; we’re joined by other African countries.
“This vaccine has been approved by our FDA and the WHO. This is just the beginning of H.E. President Mahama’s free primary healthcare to give preventive healthcare its real meaning,” he said.
Mr. Akandoh added that the HPV vaccine will be integrated into Ghana’s routine immunisation programme to ensure sustained access and nationwide coverage.
Source : Adomonline