HPV vaccine significantly reduces cervical cancer deaths in young women, research shows
via GhanaWeb3 min read
New research indicates that children vaccinated against HPV at ages 12-13 have a near-zero risk of dying from cervical cancer before age 30. This landmark study, the first of its kind, reveals a sharp decline in deaths since school-aged girls in England began receiving the vaccine in 2008, saving approximately 200 lives to date. Between 2020 and 2024, no cervical cancer deaths were recorded in women aged 20 to 24, a first for a five-year period. Professor Peter Sasieni, lead researcher at Queen Mary University of London, noted the vaccine's ability to almost eliminate a specific type of cancer. While cervical cancer remains the 14th most common cancer among females in the UK, with 3,300 diagnoses annually, HPV is believed to cause 99% of these cases. Cancer Research UK, which funded the study, called the findings an "incredible milestone" but highlighted that vaccination rates in England are below recommended levels. The UK government aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2040, but 2024-25 data shows only 76% of girls in England were vaccinated by age 15, short of the World Health Organization's 90% target. Boys have also received the HPV vaccine since 2019 to protect against various cancers and reduce virus transmission. The Department of Health and Social Care in England acknowledged the vaccine's "extraordinary impact" and is working to boost uptake.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Following Ghana's 1-0 victory over Panama in their FIFA World Cup opener on July 17, 2026, a banner of Ghanaian midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi was displayed at his father's carpentry shop in Bechem. A video shared on social media by Askmedia on July 18, 2026, showed the banner on an electric pole outside the shop, transforming the workspace into a symbol of national pride. The video's caption highlighted the immense pride of Yirenkyi's father and community. Making his World Cup debut, Yirenkyi scored the winning goal, securing a dramatic 1-0 victory for Ghana and sparking celebrations. This goal made Yirenkyi the 10th different player to score for the Black Stars at a FIFA World Cup. At twenty years old, Yirenkyi also became the youngest Ghanaian to score at the tournament.
Kwame Prempeh, an NPP National Organiser aspirant, has challenged assertions that no Agenda 111 hospitals were completed during the Akufo-Addo administration. He clarified that critics are confusing completion with operationalization. Prempeh stated that many facilities were physically completed, with infrastructure and equipment in place, but had not yet begun full operations before the change of government. He explained that operationalizing a hospital requires additional steps, such as staffing with doctors and nurses, even after the physical structure and equipment are ready. Prempeh argued that the responsibility for activating these completed facilities lies with the current government, emphasizing that the hospitals themselves are complete.
A Senior High School graduate in Ghana visited his late mother's grave immediately after completing his final West African Senior School Certificate Examination WASSCE paper. The student, still in his school uniform, poured champagne and laid a wreath at the graveside as a tribute to his mother, whom he credited for supporting his education. This emotional gesture, shared on social media on June 18, 2026, has garnered widespread attention, with many users describing it as a powerful display of love, appreciation, and remembrance. The graduate's actions suggest he viewed his academic achievement as a shared victory, honoring his mother's contribution to his success despite her absence.