HIGHLIGHTS

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)—the leading cause of cervical cancer—affects thousands of women in Ghana every year.
• As the government of Ghana prepares to introduce the HPV vaccine as part of its routine immunization program, we’re investigating the behavioral factors contributing to HPV vaccine acceptance and uptake.
• Through our research and co-design efforts with the local community and the Ghana Health Service, we’ll develop insights and solutions to strengthen the introduction of Ghana’s HPV vaccination program.

The Challenge

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer, a life-threatening illness which affects thousands of women in Ghana every year. In 2013, Ghana successfully piloted school-based HPV vaccination in selected areas, however, the country has yet to introduce HPV vaccination as a national program for the prevention and control of cervical cancer. 

As the government of Ghana prepares to introduce the HPV vaccine for adolescent girls as part of its routine immunization program in 2025, it’s critical to understand the complex web of inter-related behavioral challenges likely to impede roll-out and acceptance of the vaccine.

Our Approach

Supported by UNICEF, ideas42 will conduct qualitative research to uncover the behavioral factors contributing to HPV vaccine acceptance and uptake. We will then work with local stakeholders to co-design behavioral solutions that support vaccine uptake and ultimately prevent more women from contracting HPV.

We will also support the Ghana Health Service to conduct quantitative survey research that will inform how designs are tailored, prioritized, and targeted in implementation for different population segments. Additionally, we’ll capture baseline indicators that can inform future monitoring and evaluation efforts as the designs are implemented and scaled.

Results

Full results are expected in later 2025.

Takeaway

Interested in our work applying behavioral science to global health? Email health@ideas42.org or reach out to us on LinkedIn to join the conversation.