Ethiopia Launches Expansive HPV Vaccination Campaign

 Minister of Health Mekdes Daba administers a vaccine at the campaign launch. Photo: Selome Simur/JSI Ethiopia.

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health (MOH), alongside partners including JSI, launched a campaign to vaccinate 9–14-year–old girls against the human papillomavirus (HPV). The week-long campaign, which began at the Tulu Dimtu Primary School in Sheger City on November 18, aims to vaccinate more than 7.4 million girls.The vaccines are being delivered at health facilities, schools, and community outreaches throughout the country.

In her kickoff speech, Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba said “Each year, 8,168 women get cervical cancer and more than 5,000 die from it. Reflecting on the mothers we have lost this year, it is imperative that we unite to prevent losses within the next generation by vaccinating girls ages 9–14. Last year, Ethiopia received recognition for its efforts in preventing cervical cancer through vaccination, a testament to our collaborative work with partner organizations. Together, we strive to safeguard the health of our communities and honor the legacy of those we have lost.”

While calling for a concerted effort to ensure the success of this campaign, the minister expressed gratitude to funders and partners, including JSI, for their involvement in planning and executing the initiative.

Since 2015, JSI has applied its immunization expertise to HPV vaccine demonstration projects, national introductions, implementation, and learning in 13 countries. In Ethiopia, cervical cancer is the second-most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. The majority of cases (over 80%) are detected at a later stage, predominantly due to lack of information about cervical cancer and prevention services.

Through its various projects, JSI Ethiopia has supported the MOH’s immunization initiatives technically, logistically, and financially. In preparation for the HPV campaign, JSI provided support for training health workers, distributing vaccines, and mobilizing communities. During the week of the campaign, JSI is deploying over 40 vehicles and experts who are supervising vaccine distribution and administration while documenting progress. JSI is also working with the MOH and regional health bureaus to document lessons and will hold review meetings as part of post-campaign activities.