EQUIPPING HEALTH WORKERS TO PROTECT GIRLS: THE HPV VISION PROJECT IN ACTION.

Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Ethiopia, with HPV as the primary cause. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vaccinating girls before exposure to HPV as the most effective prevention strategy. However, limited access to vaccines, awareness gaps, and competing health priorities have hindered widespread immunization in many rural areas.

The HPV VISION project aims to bridge these gaps by integrating HPV vaccination into the routine immunization program and adolescent health services, ensuring more girls receive protection against this preventable disease.

From February to March 11, the project rolled out a series of comprehensive training sessions across four intervention woredas: Gomma and Sokoru (Oromia region), Awbare (Somali region), and Hawella (Sidama region). These trainings, held at the woreda level, helped prepare frontline health workers to lead HPV vaccination efforts in their communities.

A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT FOR LASTING IMPACT

The training sessions were attended by key health stakeholders, including Adolescent and Youth Friendly Service focal points, PHCU heads, Woreda health office heads, and EPI focal points. Zonal and Regional Health Bureau representatives opened the sessions and provided closing remarks, reinforcing their commitment to improving HPV vaccine accessibility and uptake.

Led by Training of Trainers (TOT)–certified experts, the sessions covered critical topics essential for the success of the HPV VISION project:

• Understanding HPV and Its Impact — Raising awareness about HPV, its transmission, and its link to cervical cancer.

• Best Practices for Vaccine Administration — Ensuring safe, effective, and standardized vaccine delivery.

• Community Engagement & Advocacy — Strengthening communication strategies to increase HPV vaccine acceptance and demand.

• Adolescent and Youth-Friendly Services — Integrating discussions on menstrual hygiene management to align with broader Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) initiatives.

A key component of the training included the development of tailored health education materials to equip Health Extension Workers and mobilizers with the tools needed to cascade essential messages to their communities.

“Looking back, if the HPV vaccine had been available to us when we were younger, we would have taken it right away. We’ve known people in our community who lost their lives to cervical cancer, which makes this vaccine even more important. It’s so encouraging to see these girls being given the chance we never had — a way to protect their health and future.” — WDA Member, Sokoru Woreda

A STEP TOWARD A CERVICAL CANCER-FREE FUTURE

The enthusiasm and dedication of the trained healthcare professionals were evident throughout the sessions. Their commitment to public health and disease prevention will play a pivotal role in expanding HPV vaccine access and reducing the risk of cervical cancer for future generations.

The HPV VISION project reinforces the urgent need to ensure that all girls aged 9–14 years receive the HPV vaccine, significantly reducing their risk of HPV-related diseases. As the project progresses, we remain committed to scaling up these efforts and moving closer to a Cervical Cancer-Free World. Because every girl deserves a future free from preventable disease, and the chance to grow, thrive, and lead without fear.

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