Bamenda: Stakeholders unite to restore trust in Human Papillomavirus vaccine.

Organised by eBASE Africa through the JBI Effective Basic Services Africa Cameroon Centre, the event focused on: “Strengthening HPV Vaccine Confidence: Evidence, Communication and Collaboration”. 

Participants examined the growing impact of misinformation on health decisions and explored practical strategies for improving trust in vaccination programmes.

The dialogue comes at a time when vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge in many communities despite scientific evidence demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of HPV vaccines. 

Experts noted that misinformation and misconceptions continue to influence public perceptions, reducing confidence in one of the most effective tools for preventing cervical cancer.

During the event, experts emphasised that HPV is responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer, a disease that remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. 

According to experts, vaccination before exposure to the virus offers a safe and effective means of prevention, significantly reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases later in life.

Speaking during the dialogue, Dr. Eugene Yeika, District Medical Officer for Kumbo, highlighted the progress Cameroon has made in HPV vaccination, while acknowledging the challenges that remain.

Dr. Yeika explained that Cameroon introduced HPV vaccination in 2020, initially targeting girls. In 2023, the programme was expanded to include boys, making it a gender-neutral vaccination policy. 

The vaccine is currently available to boys and girls aged nine to 14 years and is administered through public and private health facilities, school-based campaigns and community outreach programmes.

According to statistics presented by Dr. Yeika, national HPV vaccination coverage currently stands at 58.5 percent among eligible girls and about 26.9 percent among eligible boys. He noted that Cameroon has set an ambitious target of achieving more than 90 percent vaccination coverage by 2030.

"HPV vaccination is most effective when administered before a child becomes sexually active. Children below the age of 14 can receive this vaccine for free," he said, adding that Cameroon currently uses a single-dose vaccination schedule to simplify delivery and improve coverage across the country.

Health experts emphasised that vaccination remains one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.

Dr. Yeika also pointed at access challenges, particularly in conflict-affected and hard-to-reach communities where disruptions in health services and logistical difficulties can limit vaccination efforts.

Discussions highlighted several misconceptions that continue to circulate within communities, including claims that the HPV vaccine is unsafe, affects fertility, or encourages early sexual activity. 

Health experts stressed that these claims are not supported by scientific evidence and called for greater efforts to ensure that families receive accurate and reliable health information.

Participants also examined how misinformation spreads, particularly through social networks and informal communication channels, and the role that trusted voices can play in addressing false information. Journalists were encouraged to verify health information with credible sources and to report responsibly on vaccination issues.

A key message emerging from the Solution Room was that building vaccine confidence requires more than scientific evidence alone. 

According to Ngem Bede Yong, Programme Manager at eBASE Africa, trust is built through transparent communication, active community engagement, and collaboration among healthcare workers, educators, religious leaders, policymakers, media professionals, parents, and caregivers.

“It is true that there have been a lot of myth, misinformation, and we have discussed here on how we can erase all these, and we are going back to our communities today with the information that; HPV vaccine is very important and that cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer in women. So, we are encouraging the population to come for the vaccine,” Ngem said. 

The event ended with the importance of storytelling and community-driven approaches in improving public understanding of health information. By combining evidence-based communication with local engagement, participants said communities can be better equipped to make informed decisions about vaccination.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3811 of Monday June 08, 2026