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December 8, 2023 | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Cervical cancer is the leading cancer affecting women in Sub-Saharan Africa with an estimated 117,000 new cases occurring in 2020, and close to 80,000 deaths[1]. It is expected that these numbers will continue to rise over the coming years. Despite the potential for the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine to save many women’s lives, less than 20%[2] of girls who are eligible for vaccination in 2020 were vaccinated in the African Region. On Friday, December 8, 2023, the Coalition to Strengthen the HPV Immunization Community (CHIC) is bringing together decision-makers, program managers, and experts from relevant countries, in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, to look into ways for activating local progress in reducing the burden of cervical cancer in the Francophone West Africa Region. Workshop participants will reflect on advocacy approaches and components needed to advocate for needed policy changes in their respective countries to address barriers to primary cervical cancer prevention.
This workshop will be held following a 2-Day Symposium hosted by CHIC to facilitate sharing of experiences and lessons learned in HPV vaccination programs among key stakeholders in the Francophone West Africa Region, while reviewing evidence-based policies and program management in and across countries and contributing to the research agenda to accelerate progress in HPV vaccine introduction, access, program optimization, restoration, and sustainability. Participants will also discuss and reflect on new developments in the field and health models that can be integrated with HPV vaccination programs, and develop country-specific action plans.
[1] Global Cancer Observatory https://gco.iarc.fr/
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7043a1.htm