Rwanda has started administering a new vaccine called Gardasil 9. The vaccine protects against the Human papillomavirus, which causes several diseases, including Cervical cancer.
The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) announced the rollout of the vaccine in selected districts across the country.
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Vaccine Rollout Begins in Four Districts
RBC has started administering the vaccine in Gicumbi District, Karongi District, Kayonza District, and Nyarugenge District.
Health officials chose these districts for the first phase of the programme. Rwanda has also become the first country in Africa to include Gardasil 9 in its national vaccination programme.
Understanding HPV and Its Health Risks
HPV mainly spreads through sexual contact. Some types cause cervical cancer. Others cause cancers of the reproductive organs in both women and men.
The virus can also cause cancers of the anus, throat, and other parts of the body.
Gardasil 9 protects against nine types of HPV. These include strains linked to cervical cancer and other reproductive health problems.
Gardasil 9 Offers Broader Protection
The Head of Immunization Programs at Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Hassan Sibomana, said the new vaccine protects against more HPV types than the previous vaccine.
He explained: “Gardasil 9 targets nine types, including the four major strains—6, 11, 16, and 18—along with five additional strains. This vaccine therefore protects against a wider range of human papillomavirus types that can cause different cancers, making it more effective in preventing HPV-related cancers compared to the previous vaccine.”
Vaccination Schedule and Safety
Sibomana said health workers give the vaccine in two doses. School-going girls receive one dose.
The number of doses depends on age. Health workers give Gardasil 9 to people aged 9 to 45 years. Women aged 29 years and above usually receive two doses.
He also said the vaccine is safe and works better than the previous one: “We started with four districts because the available vaccine doses are limited. These areas were selected to assess how people’s bodies respond to the vaccine and evaluate its effectiveness before expanding it across the country.”
RBC added that more doses will go to health facilities once supplies increase. The public will also receive information about when and where to get the vaccine.
Supporting Rwanda’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Goal
Sibomana said Gardasil 9 will help Rwanda reduce cervical cancer cases: “If the vaccine is widely administered, it will strengthen efforts to eliminate cervical cancer. Our goal is to vaccinate 90% of the population, ensure that 70% of women are screened, and provide treatment to 90% of those who are already diagnosed.”
He also noted that Rwanda has already made strong progress in HPV vaccination. Many 12-year-old girls have received the vaccine. Nearly 95% of districts have reached more than 90% vaccination coverage in recent years.
