Rwanda has begun rolling out a new human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil 9, in the districts of Karongi, Nyarugenge, Kayonza, and Gicumbi to expand protection against the virus strains that cause cervical cancer.
Hassan Sibomana, Director of the Vaccine Programmes Unit at the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), told The New Times that Gardasil 9 protects against nine HPV types, compared with the previous Gardasil 4, which covered only four. The additional strains allow broader prevention of HPV-related cancers.
The vaccine is administered in one or two doses depending on age, with two doses recommended for women 29 and older. Sibomana stressed that Gardasil 9 is safe, highly effective, and comparable in safety to its predecessor.
Currently, the rollout is limited to the four districts to monitor the vaccine’s effectiveness and acceptability before expanding nationwide. Once more doses are available, Gardasil 9 will be accessible at health facilities in the targeted areas, and communities will be informed.
“With broader coverage, we can accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer. Our target is 90% vaccination coverage, 70% of women screened, and treatment for 90% of those who test positive,” Sibomana said.
Rwanda has already achieved high HPV vaccination rates among 12-year-old girls, with more than 95% of districts reporting over 90% coverage. The Gardasil 9 rollout aligns with World Health Organization guidelines that extend HPV vaccination to adults, including women who were not covered when the program began in 2011.
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