The legal framework
Uganda introduced HPV vaccination into routine immunisation in 2015 for 10-year-old girls, free of charge, and has maintained the programme since. Screening is available at public facilities through visual inspection with acetic acid, and women living with HIV — a large group — are screened more frequently because of substantially higher risk.
Uganda introduced HPV vaccination into routine immunisation for girls aged ten, delivered through schools and health facilities, and was among the earlier adopters in the region. Screening is offered at health centres using visual inspection, and the programme is integrated with HIV services, since women living with HIV face substantially higher risk.
Key points
| Vaccination | In routine immunisation since 2015 for girls aged 10 |
|---|---|
| Screening | Visual inspection with acetic acid at public facilities |
| Women living with HIV | Screened more frequently, given much higher risk |
| Age group | Women aged 25 to 49 prioritised |
| Treatment | Thermal ablation where available |
| Burden | Leading cause of cancer death among women |
| Cost | Vaccination and public screening are free |
In practice
- Have 10-year-old girls vaccinated: it is free through routine immunisation.
- If you are living with HIV, ask for screening at your HIV clinic: it is often integrated there.
- Visual inspection gives an immediate result and allows same-day treatment of some lesions.
- Vaccination does not replace screening later in life.
Cost and coverage
Vaccination and public screening are free.
Where to go
- Public health facilities and immunisation outreach.
- Uganda Cancer Institute.
- HIV clinics, which integrate cervical screening.
Worth knowing
Integration of cervical screening into HIV care is the most effective route for the women at highest risk. If you attend an HIV clinic, ask there rather than at a separate service.
Frequently asked questions
Where is screening available in Uganda?
At health centres offering visual inspection with acetic acid, at regional referral hospitals, and increasingly through HIV clinics, where screening is integrated into routine care. Treatment of precancerous lesions with thermal ablation or cryotherapy is available at many of the same sites.
Why vaccinate boys as well as girls?
Because HPV causes cancers of the penis, anus and throat as well as the cervix, and genital warts in both sexes — and because high coverage in both sexes cuts transmission for everyone far faster than vaccinating girls alone. Programmes that include boys reach population-level protection years earlier, which is why almost every country that started with girls has since extended it.
Official sources and links
- UN Human Rights Office — ratified treaties and country reviews
- ILO NATLEX — national legislation database