African nations ramp up efforts for HPV vaccination against cervical cancer amidst lingering hesitancy
- Multiple African countries are intensifying their focus on HPV vaccination to combat high rates of cervical cancer.
- However, hesitancy towards the vaccination still persists, posing a challenge to widespread adoption.
- Efforts are being made to address concerns and promote the importance of vaccination in saving lives.
In Abuja, Nigeria, Yunusa Bawa and other health workers are addressing challenges related to misinformation about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which is crucial in preventing cervical cancer. The Sabo community faces rumors that the vaccine could affect young girls' ability to give birth, hindering progress in administering the vaccine. Despite most HPV infections being harmless, some can lead to cancer, with 18 of the top 20 countries with high cervical cancer rates located in Africa. However, the HPV vaccination rate in the region remains low, with only 33% of young girls vaccinated. In Zimbabwe, where cervical cancer is prevalent among women, Village Health Workers are raising awareness about cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine in rural areas. Women who agree to be screened for cervical cancer often do so discreetly. Rwanda has achieved a 90% coverage rate for its national HPV vaccination program, while Mozambique and Tanzania have also made significant progress in reaching girls with the vaccine. Tanzania recently launched a campaign targeting over 5 million girls aged 9-14 to increase coverage, with the WHO's African immunization advisory group endorsing single-dose vaccinations as effective as the standard two doses. Charles Shey Wiysonge, head of the WHO's Africa region vaccine-preventable diseases program, emphasizes the importance of not just introducing the vaccine but ensuring it is administered to prevent cervical cancer effectively. The efforts of health workers and authorities in various African countries highlight the ongoing battle against misinformation and the importance of increasing HPV vaccination rates to combat cervical cancer in the region.