By Ebi Kesiena
Mozambique has vaccinated over 2.9 million girls aged 12 to 18 against cervical cancer in 2025, marking a significant milestone in its public health efforts.
The Minister of Health, Ussene Isse, disclosed this during the launch of African Immunisation Week in Matola municipality, Maputo, noting that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, introduced in 2024, is now central to reducing cervical cancer rates in the country.
He said the campaign reached about 95 per cent of its target population, describing it as a major achievement for the health sector.
“In Mozambique, the Expanded Programme on Immunisation has been operational since 1979. Over the years, we have introduced vaccines to prevent about 14 diseases of major public health concern,” Isse stated.
Beyond HPV, the country also intensified efforts to curb other diseases. Two nationwide vaccination rounds were conducted to combat variant poliovirus type 2, targeting children under 10.
In addition, a measles and rubella outbreak response campaign immunised about 1.1 million children under five in Gaza and Maputo provinces.
Health authorities also vaccinated approximately 3.5 million people against cholera, while around 1.2 million children aged between zero and two years were fully immunised.
Isse said the progress aligns with government targets aimed at reducing infant mortality and improving overall public health outcomes.
Despite the gains, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly in reaching remote and underserved communities with essential vaccination services.
