Over five million girls in Tanzania to receive HPV vaccine to combat Cervical Cancer Joint statement: Ministry of Health Tanzania, Gavi, WHO and UNICEF

Mwanza / Geneva, 22 April 2024: The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO), today launched the national multi-age cohort (MAC) vaccination campaign against the leading cause of cervical cancer in the United Republic of Tanzania. The campaign, targeting five million girls aged between 9 and 14, will run from Monday, 22 April, to Friday, 26 April 2024.

While cervical cancer remains a significant cause of death among women in Tanzania, with more than 10,800 cases and 6,800 deaths in 2022 alone, it is preventable with vaccination. The HPV vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing infections. During the campaign, eligible girls will have the opportunity to receive a single dose of the HPV vaccine at no cost.

Efforts to increase access to the HPV vaccine across Tanzania have made substantial progress. In 2018, the two-dose vaccine was integrated into the national routine immunisation programme for 14-year-old girls, demonstrating the Government's commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of future generations.

To date, coverage for the first dose of the HPV vaccine has reached 79 percent, while the second dose is at 60 percent. Combined efforts are needed to ensure every girl in Tanzania receives crucial protection against this often deadly yet preventable disease. Following the MAC campaign, the vaccine will continue to be provided routinely as a single dose to nine-year-old girls. This will significantly increase protection for girls.

Tanzania’s progress in administering the HPV vaccine is a critical part of a broader global initiative supported by the Vaccine Alliance, which has committed additional funding and resources towards reaching 86 million girls worldwide with the HPV vaccine by 2025.

The campaign will leverage African Vaccination Week, synchronised with World Immunization Week (24 to 30 April), during which routine childhood vaccinations along with health education will be provided for girls in schools, health facilities, and community centres nationwide.

Throughout this week, the Ministry of Health, WHO, Gavi, and UNICEF are urging communities to encourage girls to get vaccinated against cervical cancer and aim for a future where no girl is burdened by this disease.