Visionary Reports

A major campaign to combat human papillomavirus (HPV) and prevent cervical cancer in the Littoral Region of Cameroon was launched at the Boko Plage Government Primary School on Tuesday, 15 April 2025. The initiative, led by the Family Club and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), aims to vaccinate 5,000 adolescents between the ages of 9 and 14 against HPV.Cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among women in Cameroon after breast cancer, also puts boys at risk. According to the National Institute of Statistics, around 3,000 new cases of cervical cancer are reported in Cameroon each year, with a devastating 50% mortality rate. Vaccination before sexual activity begins, ideally by the age of 14, is crucial for effective protection.Dr Guy Nogbe, Head of the Boko Health District, said: “In addition to vaccination, screening is essential to understand the epidemiology of the disease. HPV affects both boys and girls and is associated with several cancers. Vaccination is most effective before sexual activity”.

Family Club, with the support of CHAI, is implementing a five-year programme in 21 health facilities in the Littoral region to promote HPV vaccination. Jonas Alirou, national coordinator of Family Club, said: “This two-year project, which builds on successful campaigns in Yaoundé and Bafoussam, will involve over 200 stakeholders to educate and encourage the population of Douala to be vaccinated against HPV.At Ndogpassi 3 Government Primary School, students in grades 5 and 6, along with other children aged 9-14, received free HPV vaccinations, which are administered via an injection in the upper left arm. Dr Saurel Ngo’o Mebe, Regional Delegate of Public Health for the Littoral Region, highlighted that HPV vaccination has been part of routine immunisation since October 2020. “Although the vaccine has been available since 2010, its integration into routine immunisation followed successful demonstration phases and approval by Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance). Initial uptake was slow, but community outreach has significantly improved coverage.”Leonard Ewane, regional coordinator of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) for the Littoral Region, urged district and area chiefs to prioritise parental education and ensure widespread vaccination to boost immunity among adolescents.The vaccinated children received yellow vaccination cards with the slogan “One dose of vaccine, a future without cancer”, signifying lifelong immunity against HPV.

By Henry Wana