Madagascar vaccinates over 31,000 girls against cervical cancer
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Madagascar’s public health ministry vaccinated over 31,000 nine-year-old girls against the human papillomavirus (HPV) between January and September 2026, aiming to prevent cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccine became part of the country’s routine vaccination program in January 2026, with a focus on girls aged nine because they develop a strong immune response at this age. The Ministry of Public Health, through its Expanded Program on Vaccination, increased awareness efforts during October, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in preventing cervical cancer.
These efforts follow a national HPV campaign in December 2025, where health authorities vaccinated over 1.7 million girls aged nine to fourteen, reaching nearly 77% of the target population. The current vaccination program utilizes the Cecolin vaccine, administered in a single dose, both in schools and within communities. While vaccination is a key preventative measure, the Ministry also stresses the continued importance of cervical cancer screening, particularly for adults, as vaccination does not eliminate the need for medical checkups.
Expanding vaccination coverage to reach more girls remains a challenge for long-term prevention.
