Burundi : a new vaccine against cervical cancer soon to be administered to young girls

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, April 16, 2026 – The Minister of Public Health, Dr Lydwine Baradahana, announced on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 the upcoming introduction of a new vaccine aimed at preventing cervical cancer.

This announcement was made during a national workshop dedicated to the official introduction of this vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of this type of cancer affecting women.

A priority target : young girls aged 9 to 14

According to Minister Baradahana, the vaccine will be administered on priority to young girls aged 9 to 14 years. This choice is based on data from studies conducted by the Ministry of Health, indicating that at this age, the majority of girls have not yet been exposed to the virus.

Since the human papilloma virus is sexually transmitted, the goal is to protect this age group before the onset of any sexual activity, in order to maximize the effectiveness of the vaccine.

A deadly and expensive cancer to treat

Cervical cancer remains a serious and often fatal disease, the care of which remains limited in Burundi. Lacking adequate infrastructure, many patients are forced to seek treatment abroad, at an estimated cost of about US$15,000.

A situation that makes this treatment unaffordable for the vast majority of Burundian households.

A call for vaccination

Faced with this finding, the minister appealed to the population, especially young girls and their parents, to massively adhere to this vaccination program.

She also assured that this vaccine has been duly registered by the Burundian medicines regulatory authority and validated by the national scientific committee, thus guaranteeing its safety and efficacy.