Benin: national vaccination campaign against Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

The Ministry of Health is launching from December 1 to 7, 2025 a large national vaccination campaign against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), aimed at girls aged 9 to 14 in all identified schools and public centres. This initiative seeks to provide lasting protection for adolescent girls against cervical cancer through a safe, effective and free vaccine.

Benin is strengthening its fight against cervical cancer. In an official statement, the Minister of Health, Benjamin Hounkpatin, announces the launch of a national vaccination campaign against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of this disease, which remains one of the deadliest cancers in women. The operation will take place December 1 to 7, 2025 across the entire country.

Supported by technical and financial partners in the health sector, the campaign specifically targets girls aged 9 to 14, an age group deemed most appropriate for optimal protection before exposure to the virus. The vaccine will be administered free in primary and secondary schools and at public sites previously designated by the health authorities.

Mobilization of parents and community leaders

According to the statement, this vaccination is a reliable way to prevent the disease and safeguard the long-term health of young Beninese girls. The ministry stresses the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, already used in many countries to significantly reduce cases of cervical cancer.

Minister Benjamin Hounkpatin calls for strong mobilization from all parts of society — parents, guardians, teachers, community leaders, as well as religious and traditional authorities. Their involvement is considered essential to ensure the campaign’s success and achieve wide vaccine coverage.

The ministry invites families to allow young girls to receive this dose essential for their future health. “Let’s protect our girls together against cervical cancer,” the statement emphasizes.