As Ghana prepares to introduce the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B birth dose (HepB-BD) vaccines into its routine immunization schedule by the end of 2025, efforts are underway to ensure the public is not only informed but also confident in these life-saving interventions.

The new vaccines hold promise to significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer and chronic liver disease in the country. Yet, experience has shown that medical breakthroughs alone are not enough. Clear, consistent, and culturally sensitive communication is key to building public trust and ensuring high uptake—especially in the face of growing misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.

To enhance the uptake of these vaccines, the Ghana Health Service with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) has led a multi-stakeholder process to develop comprehensive communication guidelines for the introduction of the HPV and HepB-BD vaccines. These guidelines are designed to foster public understanding, encourage acceptance, and provide healthcare workers with tools to engage meaningfully with communities.

“Vaccines can save lives, but only if people take them. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that families, caregivers, and healthcare providers have the right information, at the right time, through the right channels", said Dr Michael Rockson Adjei, WHO Ghana Vaccine Initiative Officer..

The development of the guidelines brought together experts from across sectors—health professionals, civil society, media, academia, development partners like WHO, UNICEF, PATH, and JSI, as well as religious and traditional leaders. Through a mix of desk reviews, interviews, and focus group discussions, the team identified communication gaps and designed messages tailored to Ghana’s diverse population.

The guidelines are structured around six key pillars. They begin with a situation analysis to understand current challenges, followed by multi-channel communication strategies using both traditional and digital platforms. Specific activities are outlined at national, regional, and community levels, ensuring coordinated messaging across all tiers of the health system.

A critical component of the strategy is real-time crisis communication. In an age of viral misinformation, the guidelines offer tools to monitor public perception, quickly correct false claims, and reinforce confidence through transparency. Additionally, a robust monitoring and evaluation framework will track the effectiveness of the communication efforts, allowing for adjustments as needed.

With the framework in place, attention now shifts to implementation. This includes resource mobilization, development of social and behavioural change materials, training sessions for healthcare workers, and regular assessments to gauge impact.

Ultimately, these efforts aim to do more than raise awareness. They are about empowering communities to make informed decisions and trust in a system that is working for their health and well-being.

As Ghana moves closer to introducing the HPV and HepB-BD vaccines, this proactive and collaborative approach to communication will be critical to success. It’s a powerful step toward a future where no individual suffers from vaccine-preventable disease—and everyone is confident confident in the immunization programme.

For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa
Communications Officer
WHO Ghana Country Office
Email: abdullahiea [at] who.int (abdullahiea[at]who[dot]int)
Tel: +233 20 196 2393