The Health for All Coalition Sierra Leone (HFAC-SL), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has launched a vaccination awareness campaign aimed at increasing the uptake of HPV vaccines and other essential immunizations across Sierra Leone. Supported by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), the initiative focuses on improving access to and understanding of vaccination services, particularly for women, girls, and children.

Through community engagement and sensitization, the campaign seeks to address the challenges surrounding vaccine acceptance. Many rural areas still hold misconceptions about vaccines, including fears of infertility or illness fueled by cultural, traditional, and religious beliefs. These factors have contributed to a hesitancy to embrace modern medicine.

The Executive Director of HFAC-SL emphasized the importance of empowering women to advocate for their health needs, especially in regions where they face limited decision-making power in households. He highlighted that poor awareness and societal gender norms hinder the accessibility and uptake of crucial immunization services.

The campaign has also targeted communities with high rates of vaccine skepticism, working to dispel myths and educate residents on the life-saving benefits of vaccines. Public health officials are conducting awareness sessions in eight districts, stressing the safety and necessity of vaccines to prevent serious illnesses.

Local leaders, such as the chairlady of the Moeba community in Freetown, expressed gratitude for the initiative. She committed to spreading awareness within her community about the availability and importance of immunizations. She called on citizens to set aside cultural and religious biases and recognize the role of vaccines in protecting lives.

The campaign underscores the need for collective action to combat preventable diseases, with HFAC-SL urging communities to prioritize health education and timely vaccination.