Papua New Guinea has reached an important milestone in the fight against cervical cancer with the arrival of its first shipment of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. The country recently received 100 000 vaccine vials, marking the beginning of a nationwide effort to protect girls from one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in Papua New Guinea. A further 180 000 vaccine vials are expected to arrive in the coming months, bringing the total supply to 280 000 vials.
The introduction of the HPV vaccine into Papua New Guinea's national immunization programme represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of future generations of women. Cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge in the country, with hundreds of women losing their lives to a disease that is largely preventable. Vaccination offers one of the most effective ways to reduce this burden and save lives.
The HPV is a common virus that can cause cervical cancer. While many HPV infections resolve naturally, some types of the virus can lead to changes in cervical cells that may develop into cancer over time. The HPV vaccine protects girls before they are exposed to the virus, helping prevent cervical cancer later in life. The vaccine has a strong global safety record and plays a critical role in the global effort to eliminate cervical cancer.
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HPV vaccines. © WHO / Glenda Gonzales
The first phase of the programme is expected to begin on 10 September 2026 and will target approximately 60 000 girls aged 9 to 14 years during the first phase of the national rollout. As additional vaccine supplies arrive and implementation capacity increases, the programme will progressively expand to more provinces, helping ensure girls across the country can access this life-saving protection.
This achievement reflects strong leadership from the Government of Papua New Guinea, which has allocated PGK 6.2 million in the 2026 National Budget to support the introduction of the HPV vaccine. The National Department of Health, working closely with the National Department of Education and Provincial Health Authorities, is leading the planning and delivery of the programme.
The rollout is also the result of a strong partnership between the Government of Papua New Guinea and global health partners. The World Health Organization (WHO) is providing technical support for policy development, programme planning, health worker training, and monitoring and evaluation. UNICEF is supporting vaccine procurement and delivery, cold chain and supply systems, programme planning and engagement with families and communities. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is providing vital co-financing support to help make the programme possible.
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© WHO Papua New Guinea
Together, these partners are working to ensure that girls across Papua New Guinea have access to safe, effective protection against cervical cancer. Their collaboration demonstrates what can be achieved when governments and development partners work together towards a shared public health goal.
The introduction of HPV vaccination is an important step towards a future where fewer women develop cervical cancer and fewer families experience the loss of mothers, daughters, sisters and loved ones to a preventable disease. By investing in prevention today, Papua New Guinea is helping protect the health of future generations and moving closer to a world free from cervical cancer.