By Domingo Dargbeh
The Ministry of Health has come under public scrutiny for the ongoing cervical cancer Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to children’s between the ages of 9-18 years across the country aimed to reduce the widespread of Breast Cancer.
The Vaccine & Endorsements
The HPV is a vaccine discovered to prevent infection human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can lead to various cancers, ranging from cervical, anal, oral, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
Research highlights that the HPV vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against viruses, preventing infection and the associated cancer risks as most effective when given before a person becomes sexually active.
Additionally, a research from the American Center for Disease Control (CDC) indicated that the vaccine has been recognized globally for its effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer and stable in most West Countries.
Research has shown Global Context of HPV Vaccination that as of 2024, over 30 of Africa’s 54 countries have integrated the HPV vaccine into their national immunization programs.
Countries like Rwanda and Ethiopia have achieved impressive vaccination coverage rates exceeding 90%.
The fear
It has been reported that the, HPV vaccine has been highlighted as a critical tool aimed at reducing mortality rates in Africa, under the guise of broader public health initiatives supported by Western nations.
Parents across the country are expressing their concerns regarding the administration of the HPV vaccine to children under the age of 18. Many are also concern about the potential side effects and the ethics surrounding vaccinating minors without parental consent or comprehensive understanding of the implications.
GoL’s Stance
Addressing team of reporters, Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah said, the HPV vaccines are administered in over 140 countries, including the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada.
The Cervical Cancer situation in Liberia faces one of the highest cervical cancer burdens in the world, with a staggering incidence and mortality rate.
The Cervical Cancer is mainly caused by HPV and accounts for approximately 4% of a large number of cancers globally, making vaccination a crucial public health intervention.
The Coordinator for the HPV Vaccine at the Ministry of Health Elizabeth Doe disclosed that the HPV vaccine was first administered into Liberia’s national immunization program in Bong and Nimba Counties in 2016, which marked a pivotal step in combating the disease.
She further stated that by early November of 2025 the Ministry of Health launched a nationwide vaccination campaign to bolster efforts against cervical cancer, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The HPV Vaccination Coordinator also indicated that the campaign will help educate the public about the vaccine’s benefits and dispel common myths to scare citizens from taking the treatment.
She explained that the MOH in collaboration with UNICEF, WHO, and Gavi, have initiated extensive radio appearances to create awareness, especially informing the public about the importance of the vaccines.
The Vaccination Teams have been stationed to various schools, health facilities, and community centers to ensure accessibility and convenience for young girls and their families.
According to Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah the HPV vaccines are administered in over 140 countries, including the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada. In contrast, Liberia continues to face challenges in increasing its coverage, historically hindered by various socio-economic factors.
He went on to say that the HPV vaccine has been widely adopted in Western nations since the mid-2000s, where it is routinely recommended for both boys and girls as part of adolescent immunization schedules.
Evidence from these regions demonstrates a marked decline in precancerous lesions and cervical cancer rates, reinforcing the vaccine’s efficacy.
Understanding the HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine operates using virus-like particles (VLPs) that stimulate the immune system without causing infection.
Mechanism: The VLPs mimic the outer coat of the HPV virus, prompting the immune system to produce antibodies, thereby safeguarding against future infections. The vaccine effectively prevents infections from HPV strains responsible for 70% to 90% of cervical cancer cases, as well as other HPV-related cancers (anal, vaginal, penile, and head/neck).
Challenges Ahead
Despite the promising potential of the HPV vaccine, global efforts to eliminate cervical cancer face serious threats, including recent funding cuts from the United States, which jeopardize international vaccination and awareness programs.
Nevertheless, recent studies, including research from Sweden, indicate that the HPV vaccine is having a profound impact, leading to an 87% reduction in invasive cervical cancer and a 97% reduction in high-grade precancerous lesions among vaccinated young women.
As Liberia embarks on this critical vaccination campaign, the stakes have never been higher. The success of this initiative could serve as a beacon of hope for many and significantly alter the landscape of cervical cancer in Liberia and beyond.