Angola has launched its first-ever national cervical cancer vaccination campaign, aiming to immunize over two million girls aged 9 to 12 against the human papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer. The campaign, which began this week, will run for ten days and reach girls through schools, health centers, and community outreach initiatives across all 21 provinces. It is supported by €50 million in financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB Global) and a €4.5 million grant from the European Union under the Global Gateway initiative. From 2026, the vaccine will be incorporated into Angola’s routine immunization program for all 9-year-old girls.
The initiative represents a major milestone in public health for Angola, where cervical cancer accounts for about 17% of all diagnosed cancers. The HPV vaccine provides long-term protection and can prevent most cases of cervical cancer with a single dose. The campaign is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, WHO, UNICEF, and UNDP to ensure wide coverage and equitable access.
At the official launch in Namibe Province, national leaders and international partners celebrated the campaign’s historic significance. EIB President Nadia Calviño emphasized that each vaccination represents “a life with more hope and opportunity,” while Angola’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sílvia Lutucuta, hailed the initiative as a transformative step for women’s health. First Lady Ana Dias Lourenço described the vaccine as “a shield of love,” symbolizing protection and progress for future generations.
EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer and EU Ambassador Rosário Bento Pais highlighted the campaign as a testament to strong global partnerships. Through the Global Gateway framework, the EU and EIB are investing in health, education, and inclusive development, helping Angola strengthen its healthcare system and safeguard its future.
The campaign aligns with the WHO’s Global Strategy to Eliminate Cervical Cancer by 2050 and Angola’s National Development Plan 2023–2027. It also supports the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, reinforcing Angola’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to healthcare and protecting the rights and wellbeing of women and girls nationwide.
