Knowledge and Perceptions of Parents of Children Targeted for Cervical Cancer Immunization in Burkina Faso : The Case of the Manga, Kampti and Koupela Health Districts, August 2025

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DOI: 10.21522/TIJMD.2013.09.02.Art003

Authors : Soulama Fousseni, Kouamé Stanislas KAFFLOUMAN, Hebié Adama, Koné Abdoul Karim

Abstract:

The vaccination is a fundamental pillar of disease prevention. As part of strengthening its Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), Burkina Faso recently introduced two new vaccines in 27 pilot districts : the malaria vaccine (VAP) and the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine. Despite this progress, vaccination coverage remains below national targets in several districts. Based on lessons learned from the introduction of new vaccines in other African countries, we conducted an assessment of the challenges related to the acceptability and availability of these vaccines in three selected districts (Manga, Kampti, and Koupela). Mixed-methods study, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, was conducted in three health districts. The qualitative component explored the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of parents of target children regarding vaccination against malaria and cervical cancer. Data were collected using Kobo Collect and analyzed with NVivo. Some participants (13/15) had their children vaccinated against HPV, while two parents had children who were not vaccinated. Furthermore, most parents mentioned reluctance towards this vaccine within their communities; hesitation linked to rumors, lack of information, and sociocultural perceptions. In conclusion, the Improving vaccine acceptability and availability requires strengthening community communication, improving the quality of reception, and supplying facilities with vaccines and inputs according to their needs

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