Rumours Run Rampant: Misinformation Hamstrings HPV Vaccination Efforts, Says UNICEF
UNICEF is urging caution against rumours and misinformation circulating about the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, citing them as a major roadblock in the fight against cervical cancer.
At a recent media dialogue, Mrs Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, a Social and Behaviour Change Specialist with UNICEF, highlighted the detrimental effects of false information surrounding the vaccine.
“Misconceptions can lead to a reduction in trust and hesitancy to get vaccinated,” Akinola-Akinwole said. “If left unaddressed, these rumours can lead to complete rejection of the vaccine, potentially causing a rise in vaccine-preventable diseases and child mortality.”
Akinola-Akinwole debunked some of the most common myths, including claims that the vaccine reduces fertility or promotes promiscuity. She emphasised the importance of sharing success stories about the vaccine’s effectiveness to rebuild public trust.
The call to action is clear: journalists are being urged to play a crucial role in promoting accurate information about HPV and the critical role the vaccine plays in preventing cervical cancer. Akinola-Akinwole stressed the need for “human-centred storytelling” and advocacy reporting to influence policymakers and boost public demand for the vaccine.
“Do your best to debunk myths and misinformation,” she concluded.
With only 16 out of 36 states launching the HPV vaccination campaign in October 2023, combating misinformation is crucial to ensuring wider access and protection against this preventable cancer.
