Ashaiman, March 17, – Health officials have expressed concern over a growing number of genital warts cases in parts of the country, linking the trend to rising infections of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and urging stronger public awareness and preventive measures.
Madam Roberta A. Amoquandoh, HIV Coordinator at the Ashaiman Municipal Health Directorate, said misconceptions about the condition were contributing to delayed treatment and wider transmission.
She explained that many people mistakenly assume genital warts are piles, leading them to seek inappropriate remedies instead of medical care.
According to her, the condition is commonly associated with high-risk sexual behaviour, particularly unprotected intercourse, and is primarily caused by certain strains of HPV transmitted through sexual contact.
Madam Amoquandoh described genital warts as flesh-coloured growths that may appear in clusters with a cauliflower-like structure. Although usually painless, she said they could cause itching and spread if not treated early.
She distinguished them from skin tags, noting that while genital warts tend to be irregular and clustered, skin tags are typically soft with narrow, hanging ends.
On treatment, she indicated that medications such as podophyllin solution could help manage the condition, though recurrence remains possible due to reinfection or incomplete treatment. She added that such medication is not recommended for pregnant women, for whom surgical removal is often considered safer.
The health official emphasised prevention through responsible sexual practices, including abstinence, mutual fidelity and consistent protection. She also highlighted vaccination against HPV as a key strategy in reducing infection rates and associated complications.
She advised individuals to seek prompt medical attention upon noticing unusual growths or symptoms, stressing that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in limiting the spread of the infection.
GHBUSS
17 March 2026
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