Rwanda has become the first country in Africa to introduce Gardasil 9, a nine-strain HPV vaccine, into its routine immunization program, part of a nationwide effort to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat by 2027. The vaccine, currently available in Karongi, Nyarugenge, Kayonza, and Gicumbi districts, expands protection beyond the earlier Gardasil 4, which targeted only four HPV types. Gardasil 9 adds coverage for five additional strains, including HPV type 45, responsible for about 13.6% of cervical cancer cases in Rwanda. Dr. Hassan Sibomana, Director of Vaccine Programmes at

Rwanda has become the first country in Africa to introduce Gardasil 9, a nine-strain HPV vaccine, into its routine immunization program, part of a nationwide effort to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat by 2027.

The vaccine, currently available in Karongi, Nyarugenge, Kayonza, and Gicumbi districts, expands protection beyond the earlier Gardasil 4, which targeted only four HPV types. Gardasil 9 adds coverage for five additional strains, including HPV type 45, responsible for about 13.6% of cervical cancer cases in Rwanda.

Dr. Hassan Sibomana, Director of Vaccine Programmes at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), explained that the vaccine is administered in two doses for women aged 29 and older, while girls in the routine school-age vaccination program receive a single dose, in line with WHO guidance showing younger girls mount a strong immune response from one shot. “This vaccine carries a strong safety profile and will be available at no cost in public health facilities,” he added.

The rollout is currently limited to the four districts so authorities can assess the vaccine’s acceptability and effectiveness before scaling up nationwide, Sibomana said.

The initiative follows World Health Organization (WHO) 2022 guidelines, which recommend expanded HPV vaccination to reach adult women who missed earlier campaigns. Rwanda has already achieved high coverage among 12-year-old girls, with over 95% of districts reporting more than 90% vaccination rates.

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