Tanzania is facing a number of challenges in its efforts to protect girls from HPV, the virus that causes cervical cancer. The country is trying to inoculate girls against the virus, nearly 20 years after rich countries began offering the shot. Misinformation, cultural and religious discomfort, and supply and logistical obstacles have hampered the HPV vaccination efforts across Africa. Tanzania has managed to inoculate nearly three-quarters of its 14-year-old girls in 2021 with a first dose, but it has been harder to persuade people to return for a second dose.
The Covid pandemic further complicated the HPV campaign as it disrupted health systems, forced school closures and created new levels of vaccine hesitancy. To overcome these challenges, Tanzania is switching to a single-dose regimen and making the HPV shot one of the routine vaccines offered at health centers. With the expanded supply of the vaccine and the public education effort, Tanzania hopes to protect more girls before the onset of sexual activity.