Support the Ministry of Health in achieving high demand for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Mozambique.
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in Mozambique. The introduction of the human papilloma virus vaccine aims to protect women against this deadly disease by vaccinating all young girls in the country from the age of 9 years. The success of this strategy relies on strong adherence for vaccination from young girls and their parents, but also from health personnel and teachers who play a key role in vaccination.
EpiLinks’ demand generation strategy development is based on several principles: evidence-based, participatory, realistic and affordable.
We conducted a field study to determine the perceptions of key stakeholders (girls, their parents, professionals, authorities) about the disease and immunization. We identified the factors that support and limit immunization, as well as the preferred means of information.
Based on the results of the formative research, we developed a customized demand generation strategy to define audiences, messages and communication channels, as well as a set of communication materials consisting of posters, flyers, radio and TV spots.
These elements were discussed during a stakeholder workshop in Mozambique and tested in the field. The operational plan takes into account the resources available in the country.