Overcoming HPV vaccine hesitancy: insights from a successful school-based vaccination campaign in the Saa health district of Cameroon.

Abstract

Background: Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) represents a critical strategy in the global effort to eradicate cervical cancer. Nonetheless, the uptake of HPV vaccination in Cameroon has been slow, resulting in vaccine wastage during a period of constrained global supply. In the Saa health district, factors such as concerns about infertility, fears of COVID-19 infection, and restrictions on HPV awareness initiatives in Catholic churches and schools have been identified as contributors to vaccine hesitancy. This report outlines the observations from a successful impromptu HPV vaccination campaign conducted in the context of this hesitancy within the Saa health district.

Methods: The campaign took place from the 9th to 25th of May 2023 and targeted 853 adolescents aged 9-13 years. A single-dose schedule with Gardasil was used mainly through the school strategy. Community health workers, teachers and priests participated in sensitization activities via door-to-door sensitization for parents, sensitization in schools for students and in churches for faithfuls respectively. Health facilities vaccinated schools in their catchment area. Vaccination data were recorded in routine vaccination registers.

Results: A total of 1321 adolescents (154%) were vaccinated, 48.9% (n = 646) of whom were boys. Thirty-four primary and two secondary schools participated in the campaign. Health workers, teachers and Catholic priests all participated in sensitization activities. No backlash was reported from parents after vaccination.

Conclusion: The successful execution of the campaign can be attributed to the active involvement of key stakeholders within the health district. Continuous advocacy for HPV vaccination, even in a climate of vaccine hesitancy, plays a significant role in positively altering perceptions. Recognizing stakeholders and their influence is essential for tailoring strategies aimed at enhancing HPV vaccine uptake.