HPV vaccine introduction - success story of Bahrain
In October 2023, the Kingdom of Bahrain embarked on determined public health initiative with the commencement of its Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. This was introduced through systematic approach, devised for both Bahraini and resident populations in Bahrain, targets adolescents aged 12-13 years with a two-dose vaccine regimen, delivered through a meticulously organized school-based program.
Preceding the campaign's rollout, an intensive preparatory phase was undertaken, focusing on enhancing the readiness of healthcare professionals. Principally, nurses and physicians from primary healthcare centers underwent specialized training workshops aimed at deepening their understanding of the vaccine's crucial role in thwarting HPV-associated diseases in both genders. This preparatory phase also emphasized the importance of proficiently advising parents to foster the vaccine's acceptance.
Moreover, educational sessions were conducted for the Ministry of Education staff across public and private schools, underscored by subsequent extensive training sessions for health workers and public awareness lectures throughout 2024. These efforts were crucial in alleviating initial hesitations among parents, significantly attributed to targeted awareness initiatives that included distributing bilingual educational pamphlets accompanied by vaccination consent forms.
Despite initial concerns and hesitancy from the community, a comprehensive follow-up strategy ensured the vaccination's uptake among students who missed the initial campaign, with healthcare centers playing a pivotal role. Consistent outreach to parents during the summer break further underscored the vaccine's significance, leading to a notable increase in vaccination coverage rates.
This successful narrative not only showcases Bahrain's effective implementation of the HPV vaccine campaign but also serves as a benchmark for identifying robust practices and learning curves. It outlines the dynamic interplay between strategic planning, stakeholder education, and community engagement, offering valuable insights for similar future programmes in the region and beyond.
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Author: Basma Mahmood Al Saffar, Ministry of Health- Kingdom of Bahrain
Photo: © WHO / Blink Media - Etinosa Yvonne