Comoros commits to protecting girls against cervical cancer
With the support of UNICEF, WHO, and Gavi, the country is rolling out a human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization campaign as part of the introduction of this new vaccine into the country’s Expanded Program on Immunization
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At the Moroni Application School, the atmosphere was one of a historic moment: the first HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine injections were administered to four adolescent girls, under the watchful eyes of national authorities, international partners, religious leaders, and parents.
This scene was not merely a medical act, but a powerful gesture marking the official launch of the HPV vaccination campaign in the Comoros. Amid exchanges, applause, and messages of support, the event highlighted the collective commitment to protect girls aged 9 to 14 against cervical cancer and to align the country with the global strategy to eliminate this disease by 2030.
“Today, the Union of the Comoros is making a strong choice: to protect our girls, to protect our families, to protect the future. By taking this action, in accordance with our national vaccination strategy, we join the WHO’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer,” said Ahamadi Sidi Nahouda, Minister of Health. He reminded attendees that a vaccine only provides protection if it is accepted and administered, calling for the engagement of everyone—parents, teachers, school administrators, religious and community leaders, as well as health professionals—so that each plays their role fully. “Protecting our girls is not an option, it is a duty,” he emphasized.
Mustapha Ben Messaoud, UNICEF Representative in the Comoros, reassured communities by highlighting that the HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and has been used for over 15 years in more than 140 countries. Stressing the importance of relying on reliable data, he stated: “No rumor, no message on social media can replace the facts. The facts are public health data; they are the countries that have successfully introduced it; they are the women who are now protected.”
The UNICEF Representative also underscored the commitment of partners to ensure the success of the campaign. According to him, thanks to collaboration between the Government, WHO, Gavi, and partners such as the World Bank, all conditions are in place: vaccines available in every district, trained teams to ensure safe and internationally compliant vaccination, and rigorous follow-up to reach every girl aged 9 to 14, regardless of where she lives
This initiative, led by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education with the support of UNICEF, WHO, and Gavi, aims to protect all girls aged 9 to 14, the recommended age for optimal protection before the onset of sexual activity.
From 26 to 28 November, health teams visited schools and communities to administer the vaccine and raise awareness among families, ensuring maximum coverage. In total, 15,727 girls, aged 9 to 14, were reached across the islands of Ngazidja, Mwali, and Ndzuani. Beyond this campaign, HPV vaccination will gradually be integrated into the routine immunization program in the Comoros, providing lasting protection for all girls.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, with 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths reported in 2022. In the Comoros, the situation is particularly concerning. According to GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates, cervical cancer accounts for 163 of 382 cancer cases among women, representing 42.7% and a standardized incidence rate of 26.3 per 100,000 women. Furthermore, 102 of 251 deaths from all female cancers are due to cervical cancer, representing 40.6% and a standardized mortality rate of 24.4 per 100,000 women.
It is the leading cause of cancer death among women aged 15 to 44. Cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), with HPV types 16 and 18 being the most common, responsible for approximately 70% of cases.
Prophylactic HPV vaccination is recognized as one of the most effective and cost-efficient strategies to prevent this disease. According to WHO, achieving 90% vaccination coverage among 15-year-old girls by 2030 is essential to eliminate cervical cancer.
Community Mobilization and Partnerships
Beyond vaccination, the campaign relied on strong social mobilization, made possible through a structured capacity-building program initiated by the Ministry of Health with the support of UNICEF.
Prior to the campaign, religious leaders received specific training to strengthen their role in promoting HPV vaccination and addressing ethical or cultural misconceptions. This initiative was complemented by training members of the Comorian Association against Women’s Cancer, enabling them to serve as reliable information relays within their communities.
At the same time, social mobilizers were trained to conduct door-to-door awareness campaigns, ensuring maximum coverage and direct dialogue with families. Education sector actors were also briefed on their strategic role in mobilizing parents and children, incorporating key messages into schools.
This integrated approach, combining training, communication, and community engagement, serves as a crucial lever to ensure the social acceptability of the vaccine and achieve vaccination coverage targets in the Comoros.
The introduction of the HPV vaccine aligns with WHO’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. By combining vaccination, screening, and treatment, the Comoros aims to drastically reduce mortality from this disease in the coming years. For many families, this campaign represents a tangible hope: the hope of saving lives and breaking the cycle of health inequities
