A missed opportunity
Faith leaders and the HPV vaccination effort in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19530365 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Wosene Berhanu (0009-0009-4131-4798, Karolinska Institutet, corresponding author), Simon Yigremachew (Addis Ababa University), Claudia Hanson (0000-0001-8066-7873, Karolinska Institutet), Helena Avermark (0009-0008-8429-1744, Karolinska Institutet), Adamu Addissie (0000-0003-4709-3606, Addis Ababa University), Sibylle Herzig Van Wee (0000-0002-5270-1170, Karolinska Institutet) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 2635822-2635822 |
| Publication date | 2026-12-31 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Global Health Action (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1654-9716 • E-ISSN: 1654-9880 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/16549716.2026.2635822 |
| PMID | 41778439 |
| OpenAlex | W7133906667 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 42 |
BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer causes morbidity and mortality among women worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is crucial for cervical cancer prevention, yet the vaccination rates remain suboptimal in Ethiopia. Studies identified cultural and religious factors as key barriers. While evidence suggests that faith leaders can effectively promote public health interventions, their potential role in HPV vaccination efforts has largely been overlooked and remains inadequately understood. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the perspectives of faith leaders in Addis Ababa to identify factors influencing HPV vaccination among girls. METHODS: This study employed qualitative methods, using in-depth interviews with purposively selected faith leaders. The faith leaders employed by the Inter-Religious Counsel of Ethiopia (IRCE) were excluded. A total of 13 faith leaders participated in the interviews. The 5C framework informed the data collection tool, and data analysis was conducted using inductive reflexive thematic analysis (RTA). RESULT: Faith leaders are navigating between modern medicine and their religious beliefs, face distrust of Western vaccine aid intentions and local HPV vaccine providers, and receive fragmented or inconsistent information. These challenges make it difficult for them to act as champions for the vaccination, but with clear, well-organized information, there is an opportunity to involve them more effectively. CONCLUSION: Faith leaders face several challenges that limit their role in promoting HPV vaccination. This study recommends providing clear, culturally relevant materials and communication strategies to support faith leaders and their communities. With these tools, faith leaders have the opportunity to engage and become effective advocates for the elimination of cervical cancer
Cervical screening · Face (sociological concept) · Faith · Health promotion · Psychological intervention · Qualitative research · Vaccination · Cervical Cancer and HPV Research · Hepatitis B Virus Studies · Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy
Vaccine hesitancy in the era of Covid-19
Vaccine Hesitancy
Barriers of Influenza Vaccination Intention and Behavior – A Systematic Review of Influenza Vaccine Hesitancy, 2005 – 2016
Mapping global trends in vaccine confidence and investigating barriers to vaccine uptake
Global Cancer Statistics 2020
Global cancer statistics 2018
Foreign aid in the post-colonial Africa
Vaccine Hesitancy Among Religious Groups
Religious Doctrine and Attitudes Toward Vaccination in Jewish Law
Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis
Analyzing efforts to synergize the global health agenda of universal health coverage, health security and health promotion
Institutional trust is a distinct construct related to vaccine hesitancy and refusal
How orthodox protestant parents decide on the vaccination of their children
Acceptance of HPV vaccination in boys among mothers from selected churches in Accra, Ghana
One size fits all? What counts as quality practice in (reflexive) thematic analysis
Using thematic analysis in psychology
HPV Vaccine Promotion
Reproductive control in apartheid South Africa
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |