The discussion session highlighted operational and strategic questions around introducing HPV single-dose schedules and gender-neutral vaccination. Participants from several countries (e.g., Nigeria, Cameroon, Togo, Cape Verde) raised issues about coverage disparities between boys and girls, acceptance of vaccinating boys, and challenges linked to sociocultural perceptions. Other key points included the rationale for vaccinating older cohorts […]
Topic: Programmatic Decision-Making
Single-dose decision-making and implementation experience – Cap Vert
Cape Verde introduced HPV vaccination in 2021 for 10-year-old girls using a two-dose schedule. Following WHO’s 2022 recommendation, the program transitioned to a single-dose schedule and expanded coverage to girls aged 10–14. In 2023, vaccination extended to boys of the same age group, supported by strong intersectoral collaboration, particularly with the Ministry of Education. The […]
Single-dose decision-making and implementation experience – Togo
The presentation from Togo’s Ministry of Health outlines the decision-making and implementation process for introducing a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule. It details national cancer control strategies and the pilot project conducted between 2015–2017 targeting 10-year-old girls in two districts, achieving over 99% coverage. Following global recommendations and GAVI support, Togo adopted the single-dose schedule in […]
Decision-making, planning and Implementation (including coverage) of single-dose: experience from Cameroon
The Cameroon HPV vaccination program faced major challenges during its introduction, including insecurity, misinformation, and religious opposition, which limited initial coverage to under 20%. The program began with a two-dose schedule in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic but transitioned to a one-dose strategy in 2022 following WHO evidence for cost-effectiveness and strong protection. Community engagement […]
Key components of application: decision-making process, selecting and estimating target population, and budgeting – Q&A Session
The discussion highlighted the urgent burden of cervical cancer in Africa, where two to three women out of four die from the disease despite the availability of HPV vaccines. Participants emphasized cost challenges, especially comparing Gavi-supported prices to market costs. Questions addressed key implementation aspects: age targeting (why 10 years), inclusion of boys, strategies for […]
Decision-making process, selecting and estimating target population, and budgeting – Benin
Benin’s HPV vaccination introduction prioritized 9-year-old girls for routine immunization and expanded coverage to 9–14-year-olds through a multi-age campaign. A demonstration project (2016–2019) in rural and urban districts showed high acceptance and over 90% coverage. Target population estimates combined census data and school enrollment statistics to address gaps for out-of-school girls. The school-based strategy was […]
Key components of application: decision-making process, selecting and estimating target population, and budgeting – Mali
Dr. Ibrahima Diarra from Mali’s Expanded Program on Immunization detailed the country’s HPV vaccination journey, starting with a Gavi-funded pilot (2015–2018) in Bamako Commune V and Fana district. The program demonstrated feasibility and generated strong public demand, supported by national leadership and October’s “Pink October” campaigns. Mali will introduce a single-dose Gardasil vaccine targeting 10-year-old […]
One dose decision making in Nigeria – A progress toward successful HPV Introduction and accelerating coverage in Nigeria
Cette présentation du Nigeria décrit le processus ayant conduit à l’adoption d’un schéma vaccinal à une seule dose contre le HPV. L’Agence nationale pour le développement des soins de santé primaires (NPHCDA), chargée de la vaccination, avait initialement prévu une introduction à deux doses avec le vaccin Gardasil. Toutefois, en raison des contraintes liées à […]
One dose decision making in Nigeria – A progress toward successful HPV Introduction and accelerating coverage in Nigeria
This presentation from Nigeria outlines the country’s path toward adopting a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), responsible for immunization, initially planned to introduce a two-dose schedule using the Gardasil vaccine. However, challenges such as limited global vaccine supply, financial constraints, and the large size of the target population—over […]