HPV vaccine and sub-Saharan Africa

The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a one of the most commonly sexually transmitted infections in the world. Persistent infection with HPV is associated with a variety of diseases including cervical cancer. HPV infection is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer in the world. Limited screening and treatment facilities have contributed to the stark disparity in cervical cancer incidence and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. As the HPV vaccine becomes more widely available in sub-Saharan Africa, an investigation into the gaps in knowledge, receptivity, and intention to vaccinate are important to understand the potential challenges associated with vaccine introduction and delivery. This quantitative study investigates factors influencing the receptivity of adolescents and young adults in Senegal guided by the Health Belief Model. Additionally, it also explores sexual and reproductive health knowledge and family planning influencers, perceptions, and preferences among women, men, and key stakeholders in Ghana. Overall low awareness and receptivity to the HPV vaccine in Senegal. However, students who were aware of HPV being a sexually transmitted disease and those who knew it could cause cervical cancer showed the greatest increase of being willing to vaccinate. These results indicate a need for increased overall awareness and specific attention to HPV's transmission and consequences of infection. The results from Ghana revealed an overall positive view of preventative programs, making the potential for successful HPV prevention campaigns feasible. The results also indicate a need to combat fears surrounding the vaccine such as potential side effects and concerns over early sexual debut. Combating the challenges in HPV vaccine awareness and receptivity identified in this study are necessary to ensure that girls and women in sub-Saharan Africa have are informed and receptive to this important tool in reducing preventable deaths.