As of 20 February 2024, all girls aged 12 in Kosovo* are eligible to receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for lifelong protection from cervical cancer. To comprehensively roll out the vaccine, Pristina health authorities launched a vaccination campaign at schools aiming to reach over 12 000 girls in 2024; 116 doses have already been administered during the first 2 days of the campaign. While most of these girls will be vaccinated in schools, health workers will also go door-to-door to reach girls from minority Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities, who may have less contact with health and education systems.
“I want only the best for my daughter,” said Shqipe Doli, parent of one of the vaccinated girls. “I am very happy that now girls in Kosovo* have a chance to prevent this deadly cancer. Please don’t miss your chance; vaccinate your children.”
Cervical cancer, often referred to as the silent killer, is the most prevalent form of cancer among women in Kosovo*, responsible for over 90% of cancer-related deaths among women, despite being almost entirely preventable.
Comprehensive planning and research
Many months of research and planning preceded the launch of HPV vaccination in Kosovo*. As part of an EU-funded project aimed at enhancing health systems in the western Balkans, the WHO Office in Pristina has collaborated closely with health authorities ahead of the HPV vaccine's inclusion in the immunization calendar.
“WHO welcomes Kosovo’s* efforts to ensure it will reach the target set out in the European Immunization Agenda 2030 of seeing 90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by the age of 15,” said Oleksandr Martynenko, Liaison Officer at the WHO Office in Pristina. “Evidence shows that a single dose of the HPV vaccine is already 80–90% effective in reducing HPV infections and preventing cervical cancer. It is critical to ensure universal and equitable access to HPV vaccination for all girls.”
Informed also by formative research conducted by WHO in partnership with the public health authorities and UNICEF, various initiatives were designed to identify the necessary steps to ensure high demand for, and thereby successful introduction of, the HPV vaccine. The outcomes of this research were the basis for the development of a comprehensive advocacy, communication and social mobilization plan.
These measures included comprehensive training for health-care workers, with an emphasis on vaccine administration. Together with the public health authorities, WHO trained over 1100 immunization staff, thus contributing to enhancing immunization performance as outlined in Kosovo's* Action Plan on Immunization. The initiative also involved developing and distributing a comprehensive set of informative materials tailored to parents and health-care workers.
Prior to the campaign kick-off, WHO also supported the coordination of a conference dedicated to 3 vaccines slated for introduction in the vaccination schedule, aligning with WHO recommendations – the HPV vaccine, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, and the rotavirus vaccine. This proactive approach laid the groundwork for the successful introduction of these crucial vaccines, and underscores commitment to fostering a well-prepared and informed health-care system in Kosovo*.
Paving the way for eliminating cervical cancer
“Fighting cervical cancer is a public health priority for us. We are fully committed to ensuring that all girls in Kosovo* receive this life-saving vaccine, and to contributing to global efforts towards eliminating this deadly yet preventable disease,” said Dafina Gexha, a senior health officer from Pristina.
“A future without cervical cancer is now possible in Kosovo*, too,” added Jan-Christopher Castilhos França from the Vaccine Alliance (GAVI). “All communities in Kosovo* should benefit from this essential vaccine and no one should be left behind.”
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* All references to Kosovo in this document should be understood to be in the context of the United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).