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© 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a critical intervention to prevent cervical cancer, especially in settings where screening is limited. In Togo, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women. Togo conducted an HPV vaccination campaign for girls aged 9–14 from 27 November to 1 December 2023, followed by introduction of the vaccine into routine immunization. This study aimed to assess regional disparities in vaccination coverage during this campaign. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign. The target population included girls aged 9–14, following school and community-based enumeration. The campaign employed school-based, health facility-based, and community-based vaccination strategies. Data were collected via multiple tools, and monitoring was carried out through daily reports and digital tracking. Results: Out of the estimated 654,402 eligible girls, 304,457 (46.5%) were vaccinated. Vaccine coverage varied significantly by region, ranging from 76% in Kara to 15% in Grand Lomé. In-school settings accounted for 91.3% of vaccinations, with the fixed strategy covering 55.4%. In total, 11 districts exceeded 80% vaccine coverage, while 15 districts had <50%. The highest rate of adverse events following immunization was observed in the Maritime region, primarily involving minor symptoms. Conclusion: Although progress was made in HPV vaccination coverage in Togo, regional disparities highlight the need for targeted interventions. Strategies such as expanding vaccine access, enhancing awareness campaigns, and integrating HPV vaccination into routine immunization could improve coverage. Addressing logistical and cultural barriers is also crucial for equitable vaccination, aiming to achieve international benchmarks and reduce HPV-related disease burdens. Further research should explore qualitative factors influencing vaccine acceptance.

Details

Title
Regional Disparities in HPV Vaccination Coverage Among Girls Aged 9 to 14 Years in Togo: Lessons Learned from the Recent Supplementary Immunization Activities
Author
Essoya, Landoh Dadja 1 ; Issifou, Yaya 2   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Boko Amevegbe 3 ; Adjeoda Kodjovi 3   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Temfan, Toke Yaovi 4 ; Adidja, Amani 5 ; Yerima, Mouhoudine 6 ; Bwaka Ado Mpia 7 ; Biey Nsiari-Mueyi Joseph 7 ; Wiysonge Charles Shey 5   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Mboussou Franck Fortune Roland 8   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Hèzouwè, Looky-Djobo 3 ; Agbeko, Tamekloe Tsidi 1 ; Nyulelen, Mangbassim Toyi 4 ; Tchasso, Kenao 4   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Diallo, Amadou Bailo 1 ; Diallo Fatoumata Binta Tidiane 1 ; Benido, Impouma 5 ; Lindstrand, Ann 9   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Wotobe Marin Kokou 6 ; Ekouevi Didier Koumavi 10 

 World Health Organization, Country Office, Lomé BP 1504, Togo; [email protected] (T.A.T.); [email protected] (A.B.D.); [email protected] (F.B.T.D.) 
 Patient-Reported Outcomes Research (PROQOL), Health Economics Clinical Trial Unit (URC-ECO), Hotel-Dieu Hospital, AP-HP, 75004 Paris, France; [email protected], CHU-SO, Unité de Recherche en Santé des Populations (URESAP), Épidemiologie des Maladies Infectieuses et Sciences Sociales (Épidé-MISS), Lomé BP 1515, Togo, ECEVE, UMR-S 1123, Paris Cité University, Inserm, 75006 Paris, France 
 Division de l’Immunisation, Ministère de la Santé, Lomé BP 386, Togo; [email protected] (A.B.); [email protected] (K.A.); [email protected] (H.L.-D.) 
 Fonds des Nations Unies pour L’enfance (UNICEF), Bureau Togo, Lomé BP 4042, Togo; [email protected] (Y.T.T.); [email protected] (T.N.M.); [email protected] (T.K.) 
 World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville P.O. Box 06, Congo; [email protected] (A.A.); [email protected] (C.S.W.); [email protected] (B.I.) 
 Ministère de la Santé, Lomé BP 386, Togo; [email protected] (Y.M.); [email protected] (M.K.W.) 
 World Health Organization, IST West Africa, Ouagadougou P.O. Box 7019, Burkina Faso; [email protected] (A.M.B.); [email protected] (N.-M.J.B.) 
 World Health Organization, IST Central Africa, Libreville, Gabon; [email protected] 
 Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals (IVB), World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; [email protected] 
10  Centre de Formation et de Recherche en Santé Publique, Université de Lomé, Lomé BP 1515, Togo; [email protected] 
First page
373
Publication year
2025
Publication date
2025
Publisher
MDPI AG
e-ISSN
2076393X
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
3194648578
Copyright
© 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.