Stakeholders Call for Stronger HPV Awareness and Vaccine Confidence in Cameroon

By Nadine Mbah

Despite significant global and national efforts to eliminate cervical cancer, misconceptions, stigma, and limited awareness continue to hinder progress in many communities across Cameroon.

These concerns were raised during the JBI gLOCAL Solution Room 2026, convened by eBASE Africa through the JBI Effective Basic Services Africa Cameroon Centre at the Bamendankwe Medicalized Health Centre. The event brought together 26 stakeholders from diverse sectors, including healthcare workers, public health researchers, journalists, community health workers, civil society organizations, religious leaders, community representatives, and persons with disabilities to explore practical strategies for improving HPV vaccine confidence and strengthening cervical cancer prevention in Cameroon.The discussions revealed a troubling reality: while information about HPV, cervical cancer prevention, and vaccination exists, it is often not reaching the people who need it most.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Eugene Yeika, District Medical Officer for Kumbo, emphasized that cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable forms of cancer, yet it continues to claim lives. Despite the implementation of the World Health Organization’s 90-70-90 strategy in Cameroon, approximately 2,700 new cases of cervical cancer and 1,700 deaths are recorded annually.

Dr. Yeika stressed the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, noting that persistent HPV infection is responsible for most cases of cervical cancer. He further highlighted that girls in the North West Region may face increased vulnerability due to the ongoing socio-political crisis, which has disrupted access to education and health services through school closures, lockdowns, and the destruction of educational infrastructure.

He added that the HPV vaccine is currently available for girls and boys aged 9 to 14 years and is administered through public and private health facilities, school-based vaccination campaigns, and community outreach programmes.

The issue is further compounded among persons with disabilities. During the panel discussion, a participant with a disability highlighted the stigma surrounding the sexual and reproductive health of persons with disabilities. As a result, many shy away from screening and other preventive health services due to fear of judgment and discrimination.

“In my community most people still know very little about HPV,” one participant noted during the panel discussion. Stakeholders unanimously agreed that community awareness remains extremely low, creating fertile ground for misinformation and harmful myths.

Participants shared common misconceptions they frequently encounter within communities. Some people dismiss cancer as a disease that only affects people in Western countries, while others attribute it to witchcraft. Concerns about the HPV vaccine were also widespread.

“Cancer na sick for white man,” one participant quoted as a common belief in their community.

Another recalled hearing: “Cancer na witchcraft and na sick wey dem d match am na match am.”

Others reported that some community members believe the HPV vaccine is a strategy to reduce fertility among young girls, while many continue to question the origins of the disease itself, asking: “This new sick comot na wusy?”

These misconceptions, participants said, contribute significantly to vaccine hesitancy and discourage women and girls from seeking preventive services. For many participants, the challenge is not the absence of evidence-based interventions but rather a communication gap.

Health officials noted that information on prevention, screening, and treatment often fails to reach communities in ways that are accessible, culturally relevant, and trusted. This gap allows misinformation to spread more rapidly than accurate health information.

The need for stronger community engagement became evident during the event itself. Of the more than 20 women present, only two reported having undergone cervical cancer screening within the past year. This highlighted the persistent barriers to accessing preventive services, even among individuals participating in health-focused discussions.

According to the Communication Focal Point of Bamendankwe, sustained sensitization efforts are critical to addressing these challenges.
“People need accurate information delivered through channels and voices they trust,” the official emphasized.

Participants stressed that building confidence in HPV vaccination requires more than simply providing facts. It demands collaboration among healthcare workers, journalists, community leaders, faith-based organizations, educators, policymakers, caregivers, and citizens. Stakeholders also underscored the important role of storytelling and evidence-based communication in correcting misinformation and helping communities make informed decisions about their health.

“Today’s session revealed that many people do not know about the HPV vaccine. Some have heard about it but lack adequate information about cervical cancer and its prevention. We hope this dialogue will help dispel misconceptions and myths surrounding the vaccine,” said Ngem Bedes, Program Manager at eBASE Africa.

Journalists present at the event reaffirmed their responsibility to educate and inform the public on health issues. Speaking during the session, journalist Edwin Sah noted that, “The media has the responsibility of verifying, fact-checking, and cross-checking information before publication.” He further stressed the need to promote vaccine confidence and called on stakeholders to work together to counter misinformation surrounding the HPV vaccine.

As Cameroon continues its efforts to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat, participants agreed on one key message: trust and communication are just as important as vaccines and medical services.

Without addressing the misconceptions, fears, and information gaps that persist within communities, progress toward preventing cervical cancer may remain slow.

However, stakeholders believe that through coordinated action, trusted communication, and community-centered approaches, vaccine confidence can be strengthened and more lives can be saved.