Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine delivery strategy in Cameroon: Progress with the single-dose gender neutral protocol three years after introduction.

POSTER SESSION SUBSAHARAN AFRICA FRANCOPHONE SYMPOSIUM 2023.

Authors: Andreas Ateke Njoh^1,2*, Eugene Justine Kongnyuy², Tchokfe Shalom Ndoula¹, Ibrahima Madaina¹, Mohamed 2 Kaba³, Laurent Cleenewerck de Kiev²

Introduction

Cervical cancer is a common cause of cancer-related mortality that significantly impacts resource-constrained countries. This condition favored by human papillomavirus (HPV) is preventable by vaccination, routine cervical cancer screening, and appropriate treatment. Vaccination is highly effective before the initiation of sexual activity. Despite HPV vaccine merit, improving coverage remained challenging in Cameroon. This paper highlights the country’s vaccine introduction strategies and progress following a single-dose gender-neutral protocol.

Methods

This August to November 2023 cross-sectional nationwide study reviewed Cameroon HPV vaccination from 2020 to June 2023. Data was collected from vaccinating staff from the country’s ten regions using an online form. The district health information software granted access to vaccination records from 2020 to 2023. Ministry of Health Reports presented national guidelines. SPSS enabled the presentation of the results in proportions. Tested values were considered statistically significant at P<0.05.

Results

Data was collected from 1225 vaccinating staff from Cameroon’s ten regions. HPV vaccine was introduced to nine to thirteen-year-old girls during COVID-19 in October 2020. National coverage remained low. Following the NITAG recommendations, vaccination included adolescent females and males from January 2023. Adhering to this recommendation, community engagement and periodic intensification of routine immunization (PIRI) led to a triple-fold increase in girls’ vaccination coverage (P=0.03). The delivery strategies include health facilities, community, and schools.

Conclusion

HPV vaccination in Cameroon has faced significant challenges. However, gender-neutral single-dose protocol, community engagement, and PIRI helped the country achieve a jump in its coverage in less than six months.

Keywords

HPV vaccination, gender-neutrality, single-dose, PIRI, Cameroon