HPV Vaccination: Preventing Cervical Cancer in Girls and Boys

The Tunisian Ministry of Health has expanded its national immunization program to provide the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine free of charge to girls aged 12 to 18. The announcement, made on April 29, 2026, marks a significant broadening of the country’s efforts to prevent cervical cancer, which is identified as the third most common cancer among women in Tunisia.

The vaccine is available through basic health centers and is administered on a voluntary basis. This expansion follows the initial integration of the HPV vaccine into the national calendar in April 2025, which primarily targeted 12-year-old girls, including those in the sixth grade and unschooled girls of the same age.

Addressing Public Health Challenges

Health officials emphasize that the vaccination campaign is a critical step in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer. Riadh Daghfous, the Director General of the National Pharmacovigilance Centre, has highlighted the importance of the vaccine in protecting the population against the virus responsible for the disease.

Despite the availability of the vaccine, health authorities have faced challenges regarding public acceptance. A study conducted among 1,200 women in Grand Tunis involving mothers of children aged 10 to 19 found that between 76.6% and 81% of mothers expressed opposition to the HPV vaccination of their daughters.

Much of this hesitation is linked to misinformation. Dr. Daghfous has publicly addressed these concerns, specifically denying claims that the vaccine impacts fertility. He stated that the rumors regarding such effects are unfounded.

Broader Impact and Gender Neutrality

While the current expanded campaign in Tunisia focuses on girls, global medical research continues to highlight the benefits of HPV vaccination for all genders. Recent data underscores that the vaccine is not only a tool for preventing cervical cancer in women but also a safeguard for men against various HPV-related malignancies.

A wide-reaching study published in the journal JAMA Oncology, reported on April 30, 2026, found that boys and young men who received the HPV vaccine experienced nearly a 50% reduction in the risk of developing related cancers compared to those who were not vaccinated.

Medical experts note that HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. In addition to cervical cancer, the virus is linked to cancers of the head and neck, as well as other forms of cancer that affect both men and women.

Implementation and Accessibility

The Tunisian government’s shift toward making the vaccine free and accessible in schools and health centers is designed to remove financial barriers. According to Mehrez Yahiaoui, the coordinator of the national vaccination program, the introduction of the vaccine faced some initial delays due to lengthy import procedures, but the ministry has been examining the integration of the vaccine for over two years.

The current strategy focuses on a voluntary approach, encouraging parents to opt-in for their children’s health. By targeting the 12-to-18 age bracket, the Ministry of Health aims to provide protection during a critical window of adolescence before exposure to the virus occurs.

• Target Group: Girls aged 12 to 18 years.
• Cost: Entirely free of charge.
• Location: Available at basic health centers and through school-based initiatives.
• Nature: Voluntary administration.