Gender and COVID-19 Vaccine disparities in Cameroon

Abstract Six months following the national launch of COVID-19 vaccination in Cameroon, only 1.1% of the target population was fully vaccinated with women representing less than one-third of the vaccinated population regardless of their age, profession or comorbidities. Hence, the aim of this study was to understand the low COVID-19 vaccination rate of women in order to enhance vaccine uptake. A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and October 2021 through an online survey. Also, a retrospective analysis of the Cameroon Ministry of Public Health (MINSANTE) database of the pandemic (COVID-19), for the period of March 2020 to October 2021 was equally carried out. Our sample consisted of 249 responders aged between 18 and 50 years enrolled in the 10 regions of Cameroon, with 142 (57%) who were female. We assessed factors related to having been vaccinated against Covid-19 and predictors to Covid-19 vaccination among non-vaccinated people. Concerning Covid-19 vaccination, 39.2% were not vaccinated. Non-vaccination was statistically associated with being female, being a healthcare worker, fear of adverse effects, and not believing in the vaccine. In the qualitative analysis, women identified themselves as being anti-COVID vaccine for several reasons, including doubts about the quality or safety of the vaccine; the perception that anti-COVID-19 vaccines are presented as being an obligation; including the multitude of vaccines on the market, the believe that there are “more local” effective alternatives to the vaccine. The implementation of the gender approach to COVID vaccination is a condition for the effectiveness and sustainability of actions.