Angola has started its first national campaign to vaccinate around two million girls aged 9 to 12 against cervical cancer, backed by €50 million from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and a €4.5 million EU grant, the EIB said. The 10-day drive kicked off this week across all 21 provinces, with vaccines delivered through schools, health clinics, and community outreach teams.
Cervical cancer is a major health threat in Angola. More than 900 cases were diagnosed in 2022—about 17% of all cancers treated that year. But the disease can be prevented. The HPV vaccine is safe, works well, and gives long-term protection with just one dose. From 2026, Angola will add the shot to its regular childhood vaccine schedule for all 9-year-old girls.
The launch happened on October 27 in Namibe Province. Angola’s health and education ministries are running the campaign with help from the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the UN Development Programme.
EIB President Nadia Calviño says every vaccinated girl gets “a life with more hope and opportunity.” Angola’s Health Minister, Dr. Sílvia Lutucuta, called it a historic moment for women’s health. First Lady Ana Dias Lourenço described the vaccine as “a shield of love” protecting tomorrow’s women from cervical cancer.
EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer, who handles health matters, says the campaign shows what’s possible when partners invest in people. EU Ambassador to Angola Rosário Bento Pais notes the work demonstrates how European backing through the Global Gateway helps strengthen public health and open doors for the next generation.
The campaign fits with the WHO’s plan to eliminate cervical cancer by 2050, Angola’s National Development Plan 2023–2027, and UN goals for 2030.
