(Monrovia, Liberia, November 17, 2025) — The Ministry of Health (MOH), with strong support from national and international partners, on Monday launched a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign aimed at protecting thousands of adolescent girls from cervical cancer.
The official launch brought together government officials, health experts, development partners, civil society actors, parents, teachers, students, and community leaders in a united commitment to strengthen women’s health and prevent HPV-related diseases.
Delivering special remarks, Health Minister Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto expressed profound gratitude to partners and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that lifesaving vaccines are accessible to all eligible girls. She urged parents across the country to take full advantage of the free vaccination opportunity. “It is an important day for girls and the future of Liberia. As we roll out this HPV vaccine, we can assure you that we are improving the primary health care system of Liberia,” Dr. Kpoto said. She thanked partners for their continued support and encouraged students nationwide to serve as ambassadors for the HPV vaccination effort. The Health Minister also lauded the Ministries of Education and Gender for their collaboration on the campaign.
Speaking on behalf of the Program Manager of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), Dr. Nowah Gopue Dolo Dennis provided an overview of the HPV vaccine, describing it as safe, effective, and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). She emphasized that the campaign targets girls aged 9 to 18 and noted that early vaccination significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer later in life.
A major highlight of the event was a special statement delivered on behalf of Her Excellency Madame Kartumu Boakai, First Lady of the Republic of Liberia. Presented by Mr. Varfee Holmes, Communications and Media Consultant in the Office of the First Lady, the message underscored the national importance of the campaign. In her remarks, the First Lady described the launch as “an act of national protection, a step toward generational health, and a gift of life to our girls.” She reaffirmed her commitment to championing women’s and girls’ health, stressing that protecting young girls today helps build a healthier and stronger Liberia tomorrow.
Highlighting the scope of the initiative, the First Lady noted that the campaign aims to achieve 90% coverage, targeting 560,000 girls across the country. She assured parents that the HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and lifesaving, dispelling common myths and encouraging families to support the campaign wholeheartedly. “Health campaigns succeed not because government announces them, but because families believe in them,” she said, calling on parents and guardians to ensure their daughters receive the vaccine. She also appealed directly to young girls, urging them to view the vaccine as a shield that protects their future. The First Lady extended appreciation to all partners and health workers, recognizing their contributions to what she described as a significant milestone in Liberia’s public health progress.
A series of goodwill messages followed from major partners including WHO, UNICEF, US CDC, Africa CDC, Last Mile Health, AFENET, Jhpiego, PMI REACH, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), the Christian Health Association of Liberia (CHAL), the Healthcare Federation of Liberia, the Pediatric Association of Liberia, and several civil society organizations. Both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the campaign across schools and communities.
Health leaders emphasized the urgency of the effort. Dr. Jewel T. Kollie, Montserrado County Health Officer, highlighted the growing burden of cervical cancer in Liberia and the need for early prevention.
Dr. Catherine T. Cooper, Chief Medical Officer of Liberia, described the initiative as “a transformational moment for the health sector,” noting that prevention remains the most effective strategy for reducing the national disease burden.
As the HPV vaccination campaign rolls out across all 15 counties, the Ministry of Health is calling on schools, families, and communities to work together to protect young girls from a preventable cancer.