The Ministry of Health The Gambia has announced a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign targeting adolescent girls as part of activities marking Africa Vaccination Week.

According to the ministry, the vaccination exercise is scheduled to take place from April 25 to 29, 2026, and will focus on protecting girls aged 9 to 14 against Human Papillomavirus, a leading cause of cervical cancer.

Health officials said the campaign will be implemented through the Expanded Programme on Immunization, with schools serving as key centres for reaching the target group.

The ministry has called on parents, school authorities, teachers and community groups, including parent-teacher associations, to support the initiative and ensure that eligible girls are vaccinated.

Africa Vaccination Week is an annual programme aimed at promoting the life-saving benefits of vaccines and strengthening immunisation systems across the continent.

Officials said this year’s campaign will intensify efforts to reach more children with essential vaccines, while placing special emphasis on HPV prevention.

“Protecting adolescent girls against HPV is a key step toward preventing cervical cancer and safeguarding their future health,” the ministry said in a public notice.

Health authorities stressed that strong community participation will be critical to the success of the campaign, particularly in ensuring high coverage among school-going children.

The ministry added that collaboration between schools, families and health workers remains essential in improving public health outcomes and reducing preventable diseases across the country.

By Adama Makasuba