By Ibrahim Sorie Koroma
Senior Health Promotion Officer, Health Education Programme –Ministry of Health
Sierra Leone — November 1, 2025: The Ministry of Health, through its Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), is set to launch a nationwide campaign to vaccinate over 986,000 girls aged 11 to 18 against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a major cause of cervical cancer. The campaign, scheduled to run from November 17 to 23, 2025, marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to eliminate cervical cancer and improve adolescent health.
Speaking at a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Freetown, EPI Manager Mr. Desmond M. Kangbai emphasized the urgency of increasing HPV vaccine uptake among adolescent girls, both in and out of school. He noted that the campaign will be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, with vaccinations taking place in schools and higher learning institutions nationwide.
Key Campaign Highlights:
- Target Group: Girls aged 11–18 years, including those out of school.
- Implementation Dates: November 17–23, 2025.
- Coverage Goal: Over 986,000 girls across all 16 districts.
Dr. Kangbai reported that microplanning activities are underway at community, facility, and district levels to ensure smooth coordination and effective delivery. He underscored the gravity of cervical cancer in Sierra Leone, revealing that approximately 512 women are diagnosed annually, with more than half succumbing to the disease.
“The most effective way to prevent cervical cancer is by vaccinating girls before they are exposed to HPV,” he said. “The vaccine is safe, effective, and prequalified by the World Health Organization. It has also been approved by the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone.”
Beyond cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine also protects against other infections such as genital warts. Mr. Kangbai called on school authorities, community leaders, religious figures, influencers, journalists, and the private sector to actively promote accurate information about the vaccine and its benefits.
“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 requires the collective effort of everyone, including parents, family members, and community influencers.”