Deputy Health Officer, Korkor Barimah Djimatey, has cautioned that the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is not solely transmitted through sexual activity, challenging widely held misconceptions and urging broader public awareness. Speaking on the Teknokrat Show on Focus FM with host Audrey Sika Dzifa, Ms. Djimatey clarified that while sexual contact remains the most common transmission route, HPV can also be contracted through non-sexual means, and its health consequences go far beyond cervical cancer.
“HPV is a family of over 200 viruses, and about 40 are transmitted sexually. But beyond that, others are picked up through different forms of contact.
Four out of five sexually active people will contract HPV in their lifetime,” she explained. She further broke down the types of HPV, noting the distinction between high-risk and low-risk strains.
“Low-risk HPV causes genital warts and can often be cleared by the immune system. High-risk strains, however, can cause cancers—not just of the cervix, but of the penis, anus, vagina, and even the throat.”
Ms. Djimatey stressed that HPV-related cancers are life-threatening and difficult to detect early due to the virus’s often asymptomatic nature. “That’s why screening is essential.
Many women only find out when it’s too late,” she warned. On treatment, she explained that while there is no absolute cure for HPV or cervical cancer, therapies such as radiation and hysterectomy can help manage the condition and preserve quality of life.
“The earlier the detection, the better the outcome,” she said, urging women to take screenings seriously. Addressing vaccinations, she confirmed that the HPV vaccine is currently not free, but efforts are underway to expand access, especially for youth.
“The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with WHO, is working to educate and vaccinate girls aged 9 to 14 years. This is a key window to protect against future infection,” she added.
Ms. Djimatey concluded by encouraging the public—especially parents—to invest in vaccination and screening, as HPV remains the second leading cause of cancer in women and could affect fertility and long-term health.