June 2024 — While cervical cancer, predominantly caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), poses a serious risk to women's health, it is a preventable disease through vaccination. HPV is accountable for over 95% of cervical cancer cases globally and remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. The importance of addressing cervical cancer and its impact on women's health cannot be overstated in today's society. Fortunately, advancements in medical science have made HPV vaccination accessible, offering significant benefits to girls who receive it at the recommended age.

The Ministry of Health in Eritrea (MoH) has determined that the most effective method for preventing and eradicating cervical cancer in the country is through the inclusion of the HPV vaccine in its routine immunization program. In early 2022, the Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI) Department of the MoH, along with partners UNICEF and the Global Vaccine Alliance (GAVI), engaged in several months of meticulous planning activities. As a result of these efforts, the first round of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Multi-age Age Cohort  (MAC) Vaccination Campaign was successfully launched from November 21st to 25th, 2022. The campaign's objective was to administer the HPV vaccine to 300,000 girls between the ages of 9 and 14 across Eritrea.

Based on data provided by the MoH, the initial phase of the HPV-MAC vaccination initiative implemented in November 2022 was highly successful. The MoH worked closely with UNICEF, GAVI, and the Ministry of Education to coordinate logistics in advance. Despite encountering difficulties reaching remote areas, the vaccination campaign achieved a noteworthy coverage rate of 93%, nearing the nationwide target of 95%. This accomplishment is still praised for its effectiveness.

The second round of HPV-MAC vaccination campaign was implemented in two phases in 2023. The first phase was carried out in May for the regions of Gash Barka, Northern Red Sea, and Southern Red Sea. The second phase was carried out from May to June for the regions of Central, Debub, and Anseba. This revised strategy was developed based on the lessons learned from the first round of the HPV campaign and by considering the climatic conditions of the six regions of Eritrea and the fact that it is the end of the school year.

Medical teams provided orientation to young girls, fitting the profile of vaccination regarding the HPV campaign before they received their vaccination. This ensures that they are well-informed about the campaign and its benefits. Despite the challenges posed by the large population, the Medical Management Team of the region has successfully executed the second round of HPV vaccination campaign through effective planning, resource allocation, and organization.

In total around 245,000 girls are vaccinated in schools and out of schools during the second round.  Young girls who have been vaccinated have given their testimonies on their awareness of the vaccine, urging other girls to get vaccinated. Rita Shebun, a Duta Junior and Elementary School student, said, "I have heard of cervical cancer from the elders at my village. I am acutely aware of the dangers that this disease poses to women who are unfortunate to be affected by it. I am here today to take my second dose of the vaccination. This vaccine has been proven to be highly effective in preventing cervical cancer, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have it free of charge. Thanks to initiatives that provide these vaccinations at no cost, girls like me can take proactive steps to safeguard our health and wellbeing."