Monrovia, Liberia — The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with national and international partners, is set to launch a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign aimed at protecting young girls from cervical cancer — one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Liberia. The campaign, scheduled to run from November 17 to 22, seeks to vaccinate approximately 560,000 girls aged 9 to 18 across all 15 counties of the country.
Speaking in Monrovia on Monday, Lila Kerr, Country Director of the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), announced that the five-day immunization drive will reach “every community, including the most remote areas,” ensuring that no eligible girl is left unvaccinated. She emphasized that the initiative is a “catch-up campaign” designed to include girls who missed earlier vaccination rounds.
To achieve full nationwide coverage, nearly 2,000 vaccination teams will be deployed to schools, health facilities, and community centers. Launch ceremonies will take place simultaneously in all counties, underscoring the government’s commitment to equitable healthcare access.
Dr. Yuah Nemah, Program Director of the Ministry’s Expanded Program on Immunization, reassured parents and guardians about the vaccine’s safety, stating that it has been rigorously tested and proven effective in preventing cervical cancer caused by the HPV virus.
Health officials are urging parents, educators, and community leaders to support the initiative by encouraging girls within the target age group to get vaccinated. The campaign marks a significant step toward reducing the incidence of cervical cancer in Liberia and promoting long-term women’s health and empowerment.
With this effort, Liberia joins other nations in advancing the global goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat through widespread HPV immunization.
