Introduced in October 2022 in the vaccination schedule, for girls from the age of 11, the vaccine against human papillomavirus, responsible for cervical cancer, is struggling to take off in Morocco. What is this vaccine for? What is his interest? And how to explain this reluctance. Elements of response
Cervical cancer represents the 3rd cancer that affects women after breast and thyroid cancer. Every year 2,500 women are affected by this pathology and more than half lose their lives.
Aware of the extent of this problem, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection included the cervical cancer vaccine in the vaccination schedule in October 2022.
Thus, girls aged 11 and over can be vaccinated free of charge in health centers, according to a schedule of two doses separated by 6 months.
A joint note from the Ministry of Health and that of National Education specified that this vaccination concerns students enrolled in establishments under the Ministry of National Education (private and public combined) as well as foreign missions.
This decision, considered by specialists as a turning point in the fight against this disease, aims to protect young girls and prevent cervical cancer.
A low vaccination rate
Two years after the decision of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, vaccination of young girls against cervical cancer is struggling to take off.
A very limited number of parents agree to vaccinate their children as explained by Dr Saïd Afif, pediatrician and president of the Moroccan Society of Medical Sciences; “We have recorded low demand for the cervical cancer vaccine. You should know that this disease affects more than 2,500 women in Morocco, not to mention those who are not diagnosed. This cancer is the second gynecological cancer that affects women after breast cancer. This cancer kills around 1,200 women each year and we all know the crucial role of women in society.”
And to continue “this vaccine available free of charge in hospitals and health centers in the Kingdom is available from private pediatricians at 500 dhs and targets girls from the age of 11. This age is important because the girl has still not had sex. So it is Important to vaccinate this segment of society to protect them and prevent this disease. Moreover, studies have shown that this vaccine offers immunity for more than 14 years.”
Lack of awareness
For Dr Said Afif, the lack of information is behind this low demand; “Morocco has made a relevant decision to vaccinate little girls against cervical cancer. This important decision aims to protect our women of tomorrow from a fatal disease. Unfortunately, after the announcement of the decision, we did not see an awareness campaign in the media, in schools, nor in hospitals, insists the specialist before continuing “our role as doctors and the role of media is to raise awareness among families of the importance of this vaccine recommended by the WHO. IF we vaccinate our young girls, we will effectively protect them and control this disease and that is priceless! »
