Ukraine is expanding its national immunization program to include a key cancer preventative measure, offering a single dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to girls aged 12-13. This move, announced in early March 2026, marks the first addition to the country’s national vaccination schedule in nearly two decades and represents a significant step in protecting the health of young women. Cervical cancer is a preventable disease and widespread vaccination is a crucial public health strategy.
As of March 1, 2026, almost 47,500 girls – roughly 11% of the first-year target cohort – had already received the vaccine, just two months after its introduction. The country aims to vaccinate around half of all eligible girls by the end of 2026, with future plans to extend the program to other age groups.
“I was looking forward to the opportunity to vaccinate my daughter because I had been aware of this vaccine for a long time and had heard positive comments. So, I was delighted when our family doctor called me and invited my daughter to get the HPV shot. This vaccine is much-needed for girls because it prevents cancer,” said Olena, the mother of 13-year-old Sofia, who recently received the vaccine.
The introduction of the HPV vaccine is a strategic response to the significant public health burden of cervical cancer in Ukraine, where approximately 3,000 new cases and up to 1,100 deaths are reported annually. The initiative is supported by two recently approved national strategies: the National Immunization Strategy and the Cancer Control Strategy.
The National Immunization Strategy aligns with the WHO’s European Immunization Agenda 2030, focusing on strengthening vaccination coverage, controlling vaccine-preventable diseases, and restoring primary health care services disrupted by both COVID-19 and the ongoing war. The strategy also includes an updated national immunization schedule.
Alongside the HPV vaccine, Ukraine’s updated national immunization program will also transition to exclusive use of inactivated polio vaccine, replacing the oral version. Changes also include earlier administration of the second dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, targeted hepatitis B vaccination at birth for high-risk groups, and increased use of combination vaccines to reduce the number of clinic visits and injections needed.
The rollout of the HPV vaccination campaign has occurred under challenging circumstances. Since the start of the war, Ukraine’s healthcare infrastructure has faced significant strain, including over 2,880 attacks on healthcare facilities, the loss of more than 600 healthcare workers, widespread power outages, and ongoing bombardment.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has played a critical role in supporting Ukraine’s preparation for these updates to the national immunization program. WHO collaborated with the Ministry of Health and partners to develop an operational plan, clinical guidelines, and recommendations for catch-up vaccination, as well as updating vaccine safety practices, vaccine management, microplanning, communication, and establishing a multisectoral coordination mechanism. These efforts included training 202 regional trainers, who then educated over 20,170 family doctors, pediatricians, and nurses across the country.
Additional support included the development and nationwide distribution of practical tools for healthcare professionals, online information resources, updates to digital vaccination reporting and stock management systems, technical assistance on vaccine composition and post-vaccination adverse events, and the creation of a crisis communication plan.
“WHO has emphasized that sustained technical support will be essential to ensure the long-term success of the HPV vaccination program. Strengthening routine vaccination is our priority and, with the introduction of this new vaccine, Ukraine will be able to prevent cancers associated with HPV,” said Dr. Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine.
The national rollout of the HPV vaccine, along with the other updates to the national immunization program, was made possible through the coordinated efforts of all vaccination partners, with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The introduction of this vaccine underscores the importance of international collaboration in strengthening global health security.
