By Burnett Munthali
Chikwawa District Health Office (DHO) has announced plans to roll out a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign targeting girls aged between 9 and 18 years.
The campaign, which forms part of Malawi’s broader efforts to curb cervical cancer, seeks to enhance protection among young girls before they become exposed to the virus.
Speaking during a media briefing held at Chikwawa DHO on Thursday, the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Coordinator for Chikwawa, Ebenezer Lester Banda, emphasized that stakeholders are currently mobilizing resources and awareness to ensure maximum participation.
Banda said community engagement and education are at the heart of the campaign’s success, noting that efforts are underway to sensitize parents, teachers, and traditional leaders about the importance of HPV vaccination.
He explained that the campaign also aims to catch up on missed vaccinations caused by past interruptions in health service delivery, particularly those linked to the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical challenges.
“Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women in Malawi,” said Banda. “This campaign is a critical step in preventing future cases, and we want every eligible girl in Chikwawa to be reached.”
The HPV vaccine is widely recognized by health experts as a safe and effective way to prevent infections that can lead to cervical cancer later in life.
Banda further appealed to parents and guardians to ensure that eligible girls are available at designated vaccination sites during the campaign period.
The Chikwawa DHO, with technical and logistical support from UNICEF, will implement the campaign from October 27 to 31, 2025.
Health authorities are optimistic that the initiative will not only boost vaccine coverage in Chikwawa but also contribute significantly to the national goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat.
As preparations continue, the district health team is calling for collective action from all sectors of society to support the campaign and safeguard the health of Malawi’s future generation of women.
