HPV Vaccination in Morocco: Quiet Progress or Public Health Failure?

Abstract

Although the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was integrated into Morocco's national immunization schedule in October 2022, its real impact remains difficult to assess due to the absence of accessible and official data, such as vaccination coverage, adherence rates, or public health impact. The absence of reliable data makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the program, and the extent of its impact in terms of population reach and geographic coverage remains unknown. Several studies conducted in Morocco have highlighted key barriers to the acceptance of the HPV vaccine. These include a general lack of awareness among young girls and their families regarding the vaccine's availability and preventive purpose, as well as prevailing sociocultural and religious sensitivities. Furthermore, public trust in vaccination has declined since the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the HPV vaccine is sometimes wrongly associated with the encouragement of early sexual activity, which reinforces hesitancy and contributes to its rejection in our context. Unlike other campaigns targeting sexually transmitted infections, such as those for HIV, which have benefited from widespread media coverage and sustained public awareness efforts without facing significant public rejection, HPV vaccine campaigns appear to have lacked similar visibility. This communication gap may have allowed misconceptions to persist. To overcome these challenges and improve vaccine uptake, Morocco's national strategy should include culturally sensitive communication, active involvement of healthcare professionals and educators, and targeted educational efforts for youth and families. Education remains the most effective tool to foster informed acceptance and prevent cervical cancer.