Africa’s HPV Crisis: Combating Vaccine Hesitancy Amid Rising Cervical Cancer Threat

Despite the availability of life-saving HPV vaccines, sub-Saharan Africa continues to record alarmingly high cervical cancer rates. Health experts now warn that vaccine hesitancy, driven by misinformation, cultural beliefs, and systemic challenges, is severely undermining immunisation efforts across the region.

A newly released Vaccine Confidence Report, launched during the SSA HPV Media Roundtable and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, paints a concerning picture. In South Africa alone, over 70% of respondents expressed hesitancy toward receiving at least one vaccine currently offered, including the HPV jab.

The study, spearheaded by pharmaceutical company MSD in partnership with Prof. Hannelie Meyer of the South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre, underscores the urgent need to rebuild public trust.

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is the leading cause of cervical cancer, a disease disproportionately affecting African women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 94% of global cervical cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with sub-Saharan Africa bearing the brunt. In Africa, HPV prevalence among women under 25 is staggeringly high, at 43.9%, compared to a global rate of 19.2%.

Statistics from across the continent highlight the heavy toll. In Rwanda, over half of women under 19 tested positive for HPV prior to the introduction of the national vaccination programme. Ghana reports nearly 3,000 new cervical cancer diagnoses annually, with more than 2,000 resulting in death.

The WHO’s global strategy aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2030. But to meet this goal, 90% of girls must be fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15. With Africa’s current vaccine uptake hovering at about 10% in some countries, and hesitancy rates peaking at 17% in South Africa, the path forward is steep.

Misinformation, particularly online, has become a formidable barrier.

“Many still believe vaccines are harmful, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary,” said Prof. Meyer.

“This reluctance is troubling, especially given HPV’s direct link to cervical cancer.”

Dr. Alima Essoh of AMP Africa echoes these concerns.

“Routine immunisation has saved millions of lives. But when misinformation combines with funding gaps and accessibility issues, it threatens to unravel decades of progress.” she said

Researchers and healthcare professionals stress the importance of innovative community-level interventions. Dr. Sabrina Kitaka from Uganda’s Makerere University points to the success of creative methods such as school-based vaccination, comic book campaigns, and SMS reminders in increasing uptake among adolescents.

“These strategies make the vaccines relatable and accessible,” she said.

Experts agree that the solution lies in collaboration. Governments, healthcare workers, educators, media, and civil society must jointly work to dispel myths, build confidence, and expand access to vaccines. Tailoring outreach efforts to specific communities, through trusted local voices and culturally appropriate messaging, is vital.

“There is no time to waste,” Prof. Meyer emphasized. “We need a united front to deliver accurate information, address fears, and bring vaccines to the people. Only then can we begin to reverse the trajectory of HPV-related cervical cancer in Africa.”