By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
Freetown, Sierra Leone – November 17, 2025 – The government has taken a significant step in the fight against cervical cancer with the launch of the Integrated Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination campaign, announced today by Minister of Health *Dr. Austin Demby, PhD, MPH. This initiative aims to vaccinate over *1 million girls aged 11 to 18 across the nation, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s public health efforts.
Cervical cancer poses a growing threat, currently ranked as the second most prevalent cancer among women aged 15 to 44. Each year, approximately *512 women are diagnosed, and *372 fatalities are attributed to the disease, representing 41% of mortality within this demographic and an age-adjusted death rate of 22.47 per 100,000 population.
The launch of this campaign underscores the government’s firm commitment to maintaining a remarkable vaccination record, boasting over 90% coverage in various vaccinations, including HPV, Mpox, polio, malaria, and Ebola, positioning the country as a leader in the African sub-region.
Under Dr. Demby’s strategic leadership, the Ministry of Health has been proactive in developing the National Cancer Strategic Plan and the *National Cervical Cancer Policy and Strategy (2023-2028). These efforts align with the **Global 90-70-90 Strategy, which aims for *90% vaccination coverage for girls, 70% screening for women, and 90% treatment for women with pre-cancerous lesions, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
This landmark campaign heralds a new era of hope in the battle against cervical cancer, reflecting the nation’s dedication to improving public health and saving lives.
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