Burundi launches cervical cancer vaccination campaign

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, March 3, 2026 – The Burundian government has announced the launch of a national cervical cancer vaccination campaign for girls aged 9 to 14. This initiative, which will begin at the end of April 2026, aims to reduce the incidence of this preventable disease, one of the leading causes of death among women in the small east African nation.

The announcement was made on February 27, 2026, by the Minister of Public Health, Lydwine Baradahana, during a meeting of the Committee of Partners for Health and Development (CPSD) held in Bujumbura, the commercial capital. According to the Minister, this campaign targets a strategic age group, corresponding to the recommended period for administering the vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer.

Vaccination will be organized in schools for girls attending school. Those who do not attend school will be able to receive their dose at health centers throughout the country, health authorities specified.

Cervical cancer remains a major public health problem in Burundi. Yet, this disease can be largely prevented through HPV vaccination and early detection. Health authorities hope that this campaign will contribute to a significant reduction in deaths related to this disease in the coming years.

This initiative is part of a broader plan to strengthen the health of women and girls, in partnership with technical and financial actors in the health sector.