BRENNA MATENDERE
The single-dose Human Papillomavirus vaccine launched at the World Aids Day Commemorations has received thumps up from critical stakeholders as Zimbabwe edges ahead in fight against cervical cancer.
The formal launch marked a seismic shift from the previous two-dose schedule which faced compliance challenges among adolescent girls.
Researches by this publication show the shift to a single dose was backed by strong scientific evidence that will bolster cervical cancer prevention.
Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora said Human Papillomavirus remains the leading cause of cervical cancer, with a handful of virus strains responsible for the majority of cases worldwide.
When the HPV vaccine was first introduced, global health recommendations required two doses to achieve full protection in girls aged between 10 and 15.
However, new research has demonstrated that a single dose is just as effective in providing long-term immunity against HPV.
Mombeshora said the country had faced persistent challenges under the two-dose schedule.
Many girls received the first shot but never returned for the second, leading to incomplete protection and missed opportunities for prevention.
“We used to give them one dose and they would never come back for the second dose, so they would be lost before completing the schedule. This is a very big advantage.
“Anyone who receives that one dose is now protected and you no longer have to worry about whether they will come back or not,” he said.
The transition is also expected to significantly reduce government expenditure on HPV vaccination.
With only one dose now required per child, Zimbabwe will procure fewer vaccines at the same price, allowing more girls to be reached with available resources.
“The other advantage is the cost, because we used to pay for two doses. Now we are only paying for one dose at the same price. It is a very big saving to government and it means we will be able to reach more,” he said.
The Ministry of Health has since integrated the HPV vaccine into the routine immunisation system.
While Zimbabwe previously relied mainly on school-based outreach campaigns, eligible children can now receive the vaccine at routine vaccination points nationwide.
Dr Mombeshora said rollout was already underway and would continue throughout the year without designated campaign periods.
All children who reach the age of ten automatically qualify for the vaccine under the routine programme.
Zimbabwe has previously achieved high coverage rates for HPV vaccination, largely due to school-based delivery.
More than 80 percent of eligible girls have received the vaccine in previous years, according to the minister.
National reports and data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer indicate that approximately 80 percent of girls aged 9 to 14 were vaccinated in 2022.
Despite the strong performance, Dr Mombeshora acknowledged that pockets of resistance remain, mainly among religious objectors who also reject other childhood vaccines.
He expressed confidence that ongoing engagement and wider access through routine services would help address the gaps.
UNICEF Zimbabwe Country Representative Etona Ekole described the adoption of the single-dose schedule as a breakthrough that will strengthen cervical cancer prevention and improve vaccine uptake.
UNICEF has been a key partner in supporting Zimbabwe’s HPV vaccination programme, including procurement and community mobilisation.
“We are very pleased to have launched the HPV strategy for one dose because the government has been using two doses. If you have one dose, the likelihood of not having dropouts for girls is reduced. It is a big breakthrough and we are pleased that we have mobilised the resources as UNICEF to support the introduction of the one-dose HPV vaccine,” said Ekole.
She said the vaccine’s introduction as part of Zimbabwe’s routine child immunisation calendar reflects growing recognition of HPV prevention as a fundamental component of child and adolescent health.
“It is a big breakthrough that the HPV vaccine has been introduced as part of the package of vaccines given to children. It is a very happy day for us,” said Ekole.
UNICEF’s support extends beyond vaccine procurement. Ekole said a significant portion of the funding will go towards community awareness, adolescent health clubs and behavioural change interventions that are essential for sustained uptake. Activities include public sensitisation, peer-led discussions, and comprehensive sexuality education integrated through child and youth health platforms.“You have a lot of sensitisation of communities. They have to be able to take children to vaccination centres. You have awareness campaigns, peers and young children having health clubs to talk about HPV and other health related matters. The funding will go a long way, not just for procurement, but for other health mobilisation and sensitisation activities,” she said.Studies have shown that low awareness contributes significantly to missed doses. About 30 percent of adolescent girls in Zimbabwe lack adequate knowledge about HPV, its link to cervical cancer and the importance of vaccination. Public health experts say this gap highlights the need for consistent community education alongside the rollout.Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in Zimbabwe, with HPV responsible for nearly all cases. Health authorities say the transition to a single dose is expected to boost population-level protection and accelerate progress toward reducing cervical cancer incidence in the coming decades.With the new schedule now in full effect, the government and partners hope to maintain high coverage while reaching girls who previously missed the second dose. The move is also expected to strengthen long term immunisation forecasting, financing and equity.
