1. L'OMS en Afrique
  2. From Mountains to Islands: Malawi’s Historic HPV Vaccination Campaign ...

From Mountains to Islands: Malawi’s Historic HPV Vaccination Campaign

Malawi faces one of the highest cervical cancer burdens globally, with over 4,700 new cases annually. Determined to change this, the Government of Malawi demonstrated unwavering leadership in launching the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign from 27–31 October 2025, targeting girls aged 9–18 years. This bold initiative aligns with Malawi’s commitment to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030 under WHO’s global strategy.

The campaign was unique: it adopted a multi-age cohort approach, allowing girls who had missed vaccination since 2019 the opportunity to be protected. By extending eligibility from 9 to 18 years, Malawi closed immunity gaps and ensured that older adolescents were not left behind.

The Ministry of Health, through the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) with funding support from GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance and operational coordination from the WCO- Malawi, led the campaign with strong political commitment and high-level oversight. Microplanning started at the grassroots—health facilities and schools developed detailed plans validated by district teams and aggregated nationally. This participatory approach ensured accurate planning and equitable resource allocation, leaving no girl behind.

Community engagement was at the heart of the campaign. Traditional leaders, religious figures, and local influencers were oriented as champions of the HPV vaccine, reinforcing trust and dispelling myths. School Health and Nutrition teachers worked hand-in-hand with Health Surveillance Assistants to mobilize learners and parents. Activities ranged from school assemblies and classroom sessions to roadshows, community radio programs, television broadcasts and mobile van announcements, creating a groundswell of support and ensuring high turnout.

Local leaders engagement session in progress at Mpata Community gathering point in Karonga District
Local leaders engagement session in progress at Mpata Community gathering point in Karonga District
From the hard-to-reach mountainous communities of Livingstonia in Rumphi District to the island populations of Likoma and remote areas of Zomba, vaccination teams went the extra mile—literally. Using boats, motorbikes, and even traveling on foot, teams ensured that every eligible girl had this great chance for a lifetime of protection. Corridors of tertiary institutions, including universities, were transformed into temporary vaccination sites to ensure older adolescents up to 18 years were included. Markets, bus stations, water points, and other communal spaces became vaccination hubs for out-of-school girls. One vaccine. One week. A lifetime of protection for Malawi’s girls was the mantra as championed by Dr Dan Namarika, the Secretary for Health and Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, the WHO Country Representative.
The Secretary of Health Dr Dan Namarika and WHO Representative Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo engaging students on HPV vaccination in Area 49, Lilongwe District
The Secretary of Health Dr Dan Namarika and WHO Representative Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo engaging students on HPV vaccination in Area 49, Lilongwe District
Ovixlexla Kamenyagwaza-Bunya
By the end of the campaign week, 2.27 million girls were vaccinated, ensuring better protection against HPV and representing a nationwide coverage of 91%. School-based strategies accounted for the majority of vaccinations, while targeted outreach bridged gaps for out-of-school adolescents. This success reflects Malawi’s integrated approach—strong leadership, meticulous planning, and community-driven action.
Proudly Vaccinated!
Proudly Vaccinated!
Ovixlexla Kamenyagwaza-Bunya
The achievement was powered by collaboration. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance provided critical financial support, while the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office offered technical guidance, readiness assessments, and monitoring. UNICEF strengthened cold chain systems and social mobilization, and AMREF Health Africa supported health worker training and community sensitization. Local NGOs and faith-based organizations played a vital role in mobilizing communities, addressing misconceptions, and ensuring trust in the vaccine. Together, these partnerships created a united front that reached every corner of Malawi.

With strong government leadership, community ownership, and partner solidarity, Malawi is on track to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat by 2030.

Pour plus d'informations ou pour demander des interviews, veuillez contacter :
Ovixlexla Kamenyagwaza-Bunya

bunyao [at] who.int (bunyao[at]who[dot]int)

+265 999 930 280