Djibouti Initiates Vaccination Campaign to Shield Girls from Cervical Cancer
Djibouti has officially kicked off a significant vaccination campaign intended to protect young girls from cervical cancer. This initiative targets girls aged 9 to 14, who are identified as the most vulnerable to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The campaign started on December 7, 2025, and will continue until December 12, 2025.
Details of the Vaccination Campaign
The HPV vaccination will be offered to participants at no cost. This action comes as part of a broader public health effort to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer within the country. Health officials have emphasized the importance of vaccinating girls to protect their future health.
Launch Ceremony Attendees
The launch event saw the participation of several key figures, including:
- Ahmed Rooble Abdille, Minister of Health
- Ministers of Education and Women’s Affairs
- Beate Dastel, UNICEF Representative in Djibouti
- Other senior government officials
Minister Rooble highlighted the necessity of focusing the vaccination program on younger girls, stressing that early intervention is vital for effectively combating the virus responsible for cervical cancer.
Support from UNICEF
UNICEF has shown strong backing for this vaccination campaign. Beate Dastel noted the organization’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Djibouti’s Ministry of Health. This collaboration aims to ensure that the vaccine reaches as many girls as possible, thereby enhancing public health outcomes in the region.
