The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) is supporting Angola’s vaccination campaign to protect around two million girls aged 9 to 12 against the human papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer, with €50 million in financing. The campaign is also benefiting from an EU grant of €4.5 million.

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It is led by the country’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

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The launch event took place on 27 October in Namibe Province and marks the beginning of a 10-day vaccination drive. Immunisation will be delivered through schools, health facilities, and community outreach services to ensure equitable access. From 2026, Angola will integrate vaccination against cervical cancer into its routine childhood immunisation programme for all 9-year-old girls.

Serious public health challenge

Cervical cancer remains a serious public health challenge, which can be tackled with appropriate protective vaccination. In 2022, more than 900 cases were diagnosed in Angola, accounting for approximately 17% of all cancers treated in the country. However, the disease is largely preventable: the HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and provides long-term protection with a single dose.

EIB President, Nadia Calviño said: “Every vaccinated girl represents a life with more hope and opportunity. By standing proudly with Angola in this campaign against cervical cancer, we are helping protect not just health, but the future and dignity of an entire generation of young women.”

Minister of Health of Angola, Dr. Sílvia Lutucuta added: “It is with great satisfaction that we witness, in this beautiful province of Namibe, the launch of the National Vaccination Campaign against Cervical Cancer — a historic milestone for public health and for the future of women in Angola.”

Shield of love

First Lady of Angola, Ana Dias Lourenço who is supporting the campaign said: “This vaccine, which begins to be administered today, is a shield of love. A form of protection and the result of years of research and effort to ensure that the women of tomorrow can live free from the suffering caused by cervical cancer.”

EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer, whose responsibilities include health added: “This campaign is proof that when we invest together in people, we build stronger, healthier societies. The EIB is proud to support Angola’s future — in girls who will grow to lead, learn and lift their communities.”

Rosário Bento Pais, Ambassador of the European Union to Angola, added: “Through the Global Gateway, the European Union is investing in people and in partnerships that make a lasting difference. Our collaboration with Angola and the EIB shows how European support is helping to strengthen public health and create opportunities for the next generation.”

The campaign, reflects Angola’s commitment to the WHO’s Global Strategy to Eliminate Cervical Cancer by 2050, and supports the objectives of Angola’s National Development Plan 2023–2027 and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

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