All girls between the ages of 10–14 years in Tajikistan will be offered protection against the virus that causes cervical cancer, thanks to introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into the country’s national routine immunization calendar. Cervical cancer is one of the most serious health threats facing women in Tajikistan. It is the third most common cancer among women nationally and the second most common among women aged 15–44. According to the Global Cancer Observatory, 277 women were diagnosed and 159 died from this disease in 2022 alone.
On 1 October 2025, Tajikistan took a historic step to change this story. The national launch of the HPV vaccine into its national routine immunization calendar was led by Dr Amirzoda Abdukholiq Amir, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan, who used his speech to emphasize that “the introduction of the HPV vaccine will establish a sustainable system of protection for girls, ultimately paving the way for the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem.”
“Peace of mind”
Over 500 000 girls aged 10–14 years are being offered a single dose of the vaccine, in line with updated WHO recommendations. The vaccine will be primarily delivered through schools. On the first day of the campaign, many schools across the country were already being visited by primary health-care teams consisting of 2 family doctors, a registration nurse, 2 vaccinators and an assistant. Representatives from WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) joined the teams at several schools.
Dr Khalimova Ariba, a family doctor at the National Family Medicine Center, who co-led one of the teams, commented, “I feel very fortunate that my daughters are among the age group covered by the HPV vaccine. Today, they will be vaccinated at their school as well – giving me peace of mind as both a doctor and a mother.”
“This is not only about a vaccine,” said Dr Victor Olsavszky, WHO Representative in Tajikistan. “It is about giving every girl the chance to grow up free from a preventable cancer, and every family the reassurance that their daughters’ futures are being protected from this terrible disease.”
Thorough preparation
The launch followed months of preparation. Between July and September 2025, health authorities and partners carried out a broad package of activities, including:
- a readiness assessment of 344 schools and 172 health facilities;
- the development of training materials;
- cascade training for vaccinators, school health staff and teachers;
- a national conference for officials, health-care specialists, teachers, civil society and international partners;
- a behavioural insights study to explore parental attitudes, community perceptions and trust factors related to HPV vaccination, the findings of which informed communication planning, materials and community engagement;
- operational planning, the development of data systems to track coverage, as well as logistics and supply chain preparation; and
- high-level events and briefings to secure broad visibility and community endorsement.
Leadership and partnership
HPV vaccine introduction is a shared achievement. In addition to the leadership provided by the government of Tajikistan, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republican Center for Immunoprophylaxis, planning, preparation and implementation were technically supported by WHO and UNICEF, with funding from Gavi the Vaccine Alliance and the European Union. Lessons learned through the introduction of the vaccine, shared by neighbouring Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, also directly informed and strengthened Tajikistan’s approach.
Looking forward
A post-introduction evaluation is planned for November 2025 to document lessons learned and sustain progress. Catch-up mechanisms will ensure no eligible girl is left behind. Financing of the national immunization programme will remain a priority for long-term sustainability.
The HPV launch builds on wider immunization efforts in Tajikistan, including an ongoing campaign to reach “zero-dose” children who have not yet received any routine vaccinations, the rollout of digital health systems and outbreak response campaigns against measles. Together, these efforts strengthen resilience and health security and bring the country closer to universal health coverage.