The Ministry of Health, through its Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), is set to roll out a nationwide campaign targeting more than 986,000 girls aged 11 to 18 years for free vaccination against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The single-dose vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer, will be administered across the country from November 17 to 23, 2025.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement in Freetown, the EPI Manager, Desmond M. Kangbai, said the campaign aims to protect adolescent girls before exposure to HPV, which is the primary cause of cervical cancer. He emphasized that both in-school and out-of-school girls will be included in the immunization drive.
Recognizing that most eligible girls are enrolled in educational institutions, Desmond M. Kangbai, revealed that the Ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education to ensure smooth implementation in schools and higher learning institutions.
Dr. Desmond M. Kangbai explained that extensive microplanning activities are ongoing across all 16 districts, focusing on community, facility and district levels to collect data and strengthen coordination for effective campaign rollout.
Highlighting the devastating impact of cervical cancer, Desmond M. Kangbai, stated that approximately 512 women in Sierra Leone are diagnosed with the disease annually, with more than half of them losing their lives. “Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Sierra Leone and the most effective prevention method is vaccinating girls before they are exposed to HPV,” he noted.
He assured the public that the HPV vaccine is safe, effective and prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO), adding that it has been approved by the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone for national use. The vaccine also offers protection against other HPV-related infections, including genital warts.
Desmond M. Kangbai called on school authorities, community leaders, religious figures, political representatives, journalists and the private sector to help disseminate accurate information and encourage public acceptance of the vaccine.
“If we are to eliminate cervical cancer in Sierra Leone, vaccination must be our key strategy, supported by early screening and the promotion of safe sexual practices,” he stressed. “This national effort requires the collective commitment of everyone, parents, families and community influencers alike.”
