In the quest to prevent cervical cancer, Ethiopia launched a pilot Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination pilot project in December 2015 targeting adolescent girls in the 9-13 year age group in Oromia and Tigray regions.

The pilot project was implemented in Gomma Woreda (District) of Jimma Zone in Oromia Region, and Ahiferom Woreda (District) of Tigray Region. Girls in Grade 4 of the school system - in the 9-13 age group - were targeted in school-based administration of the vaccine, and 10-year old girls were targeted in kebele-based vaccinations that aimed to reach out-of-school 10-year-olds.

Locally existing community structures of mothers, teachers, women’s groups and kebele administration leadership were used for social mobilization, achieving nearly a 100% coverage.

Exposure to HPV during adolescence and young adulthood can cause cervical cancer in later years. Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in adult women in the developing world. It affects an estimated 530 000 women each year and leads to 275 000 deaths, over 85% in developing countries.

In Ethiopia, the most prevalent cancers among adults are breast cancer (30.2%) and cervical cancer (13.4%). Over 80% of cervical cancer cases are detected at a late stage due to lack of information and weak prevention services. In 2010, an estimated 4648 new cases of cervical cancer and 3235 resultant deaths occurred in Ethiopia.

The Government of Ethiopia embarked on implementing cervical cancer prevention strategies to reduce the number of new cases and deaths. Among the strategies adopted, immunization stands as a primary preventive measure, with the pilot projects two woredas, Gomma in Oromia and Ahiferom in Tigray regions.

The two-year pilot project funded by GAVI will provide experience and lessons, and will also protect the target communities. Immunization partners like WHO, UNICEF, CHAI and PATH are working with the government to implement the pilot project.

Introduction of HPV in routine immunization nationwide will be planned and implemented based on the lessons and outcomes of the pilot projects.

For more information, please contact:

Technical Contacts: Dr Thomas Karengera;  karengeraa [at] who.int" target="_blank">karengeraa [at] who.int ; +251 912 669 230

Communication Contact: Loza Mesfin Tesfaye ;  tesfayel [at] who.int" target="_blank">tesfayel [at] who.int ; +251 911 144 194

Photos: WHO Ethiopia