Angola launches historic HPV vaccination campaign to protect over 2M girls from cervical cancer

ANGOLA—Angola has kicked off one of the largest public health campaigns in its history, aiming to vaccinate more than two million girls aged 9 to 12 against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer.

The campaign runs from October 27 to November 7 and is a crucial step in safeguarding young girls’ health nationwide.

Cervical cancer is a major cause of death among Angolan women of reproductive age, with over 2,000 new cases reported annually, half of which prove fatal.

The HPV vaccine, recommended and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), offers safe and effective protection against the virus types that most commonly cause cervical cancer.

To reach this ambitious goal, 1,667 teams from Angola’s Expanded Program on Immunization will travel to public and private schools, health centers, and communities.

They aim to vaccinate 70% of eligible girls with a free single dose, following WHO guidelines.

This concerted effort places Angola at the forefront of the WHO Global Strategy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals and universal health coverage objectives.

Dr. Tomás Valdez, WHO Acting Representative, emphasized that every vaccine dose represents not only a victory against disease but also an investment in the future and protection for families.

The official campaign launch took place in Namibe province, where Diego Zorrilla, the United Nations’ Acting Resident Coordinator, called the initiative a historic step toward ensuring a healthier future for Angola’s girls.

 The campaign reflects 16 years of preparation and collaboration involving national authorities, health partners, civil society, and the private sector.

Angola’s Health Minister, Dr. Sílvia Lutucuta, described the campaign as an unprecedented achievement in the country’s public health history, fulfilling the dream of protecting young women from cervical cancer.

The First Lady of Angola, Dr. Ana Dias Lourenço, serves as the campaign’s national ambassador.

She actively mobilizes institutions, leaders, and communities to ensure that no girl is left behind.

The HPV vaccination campaign forms part of the WHO’s global initiative to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern by 2030.

The strategy targets vaccinating 90% of girls before age 15, screening 70% of eligible women for early detection, and treating 90% of women diagnosed with the disease.

This campaign, led by the Ministries of Health and Education with technical support from WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, GAVI, the European Union, and other partners, also includes studies on sociobehavioral factors influencing vaccine acceptance and community engagement to ensure successful implementation.

Financing support includes about €50 million (US$54 million) from the European Investment Bank and €4.5 million (US$4.9 million) from the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative.

From 2026, Angola plans to integrate the HPV vaccine into the routine immunization schedule for all 9-year-old girls, further cementing protection against cervical cancer for future generations.

The mission is clear: to inform, mobilize, and vaccinate every eligible girl across the country.

WHO urges parents, teachers, community leaders, journalists, and influencers to disseminate accurate information and encourage vaccination to secure a healthier future for Angolan girls.

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