A Call for Open Dialogue on Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccination in Liberia

Abstract

This blog highlights the critical public health challenge of cervical cancer in Liberia and the broader sub-Saharan African context, where the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine offers a powerful tool for prevention but has seen slow uptake due to cultural, religious, and socio-structural barriers. It outlines how Liberia, despite integrating the HPV vaccine into its routine immunization program, still struggles with low coverage driven by misconceptions, limited healthcare infrastructure, and gender and community norms that shape vaccine attitudes. The article calls for open dialogue and sustained community engagement especially involving male caregivers, religious leaders, and trusted community figures to address hesitancy and promote wider acceptance of HPV vaccination. It also introduces the HPV Impact Assessment Study led by APHRC and partners, which aims to generate robust data on vaccination coverage, equity and barriers to uptake to inform policy and program strategies toward achieving the WHO�s 90 % target by 2030.