Cervical cancer vaccination promoted at girls' soccer tournament in Zimbabwe

Organizers used a regional Under-17 girls' soccer tournament in Norton, Zimbabwe, to promote HPV vaccination and build trust among about 200 participants from six countries.

A regional Under-17 girls' soccer tournament in Norton, on the outskirts of Harare, doubled as a public health event to promote trust in HPV vaccination. The event, part of the Goal Getters campaign, brought together players and supporters and linked match activities with nearby clinic services. Organizers included the Confederation of African Football (CAF), GAVI, and health ministries from several countries. The effort follows wider efforts across Africa to rebuild vaccination coverage after disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. Key details: - About 200 girls from six countries took part in the CAF Under-17 tournament that hosted the campaign. - The Goal Getters initiative was previously showcased in Tanzania and Eswatini and uses sport to encourage conversations about the HPV vaccine. - Organizers say the HPV vaccine, offered free to girls aged about 9 to 14, can prevent up to 90% of cervical cancer cases, per GAVI. - Africa's coverage for at least one dose of HPV rose to about 40% in 2023 from 28% the year before, according to the World Health Organization as cited in the reporting. - Zimbabwe introduced a single-dose HPV vaccine ahead of the tournament; cervical cancer is reported as the most common cancer among women in the country and causes about 2,000 deaths annually, per the national registry. - Reported barriers include misinformation and religious concerns, and a cited example from a Harare clinic showed very low turnout at some clinic sites, with many vaccinations occurring through schools. Summary: Organizers and health officials used the tournament to combine sport and health education, aiming to build trust in HPV vaccination and reach families who might not attend clinics. The campaign is part of ongoing efforts to increase vaccine coverage across the region; Undetermined at this time.