From May 26 to 31, 2025, the Institut Pasteur de Dakar, in collaboration with the Ministère de la Santé et de l’Action sociale and the Service National de l’Education et de l’Information Sanitaire et Sociale (SNEISS), organized a co-construction workshop on communication tools for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which helps prevent cervical cancer.
This workshop was part of the preparation for a public awareness campaign aimed at strengthening acceptance of the HPV vaccine.
Indeed, a survey on vaccine hesitancy, conducted by the Health System Strengthening Division of the Public Health Department at Institut Pasteur de Dakar in various regions of Senegal, revealed significant reluctance regarding HPV vaccination, particularly in Dakar and Ziguinchor.
In response to this finding, a co-constructed communication strategy was developed. It is based on meetings with stakeholders and the creation of clear, tailored, and engaging messages for all levels of the health system and the target communities. The objective is to effectively protect girls aged 9 to 14 from cervical cancer by facilitating their access to vaccination.
This week was rich in exchanges, reflections, and creativity, facilitated by SNEISS, with the participation of key actors: World Health Organization, SSCP (with Professor Omar GASSAMA), DSME, DLM, CSC, journalists (AJSPDSENEGAL), teachers (DCMS), regional health directorates of Dakar and Ziguinchor, ligue sénégalaise contre le cancer (LISCA), Bajenu Gox, researchers from UCAD, and many others.
As a key player in the field of vaccination, Institut Pasteur de Dakar reaffirms its commitment to all initiatives aimed at strengthening community support for public health interventions.
We warmly thank all stakeholders for their availability and dedication to serving public health!
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