Boosting community engagement: Leveraging the ward health system approach for enhanced HPV vaccination acceptance in Nigeria.
Authors: Elemuwa Christopher Ononiwu , Ainu Muyi , Adias Teddy Charles , Abisoye Sunday Oyeyemi , Stella Ufuoma Rotifa , Elemuwa Uchenna Geraldine , Christopher Ogbointuwei , Raimi Morufu Olalekan , Oginifolunnia Okechukwu Christian , Oweibia Mordecai , Ozoemena Onukwuli Vivian , Tochukwu Daniel Elemuwa 
Published: November 2024

Rationale The efficacy of vaccination programs, particularly for diseases like HPV, hinges on widespread acceptance and uptake within communities. However, vaccine hesitancy and inadequate healthcare infrastructure pose significant barriers to achieving optimal vaccination coverage in Nigeria. Recognizing the pivotal role of community engagement in overcoming these challenges, this study aims to explore the potential of leveraging the ward health system (WHS) to enhance HPV vaccination acceptance in Nigeria. Objective The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of community-based approaches facilitated by the WHS on HPV vaccination demand and acceptance in Nigeria. Specifically, the study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of ward development committees (WDCs) in mobilizing communities, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and fostering positive attitudes towards HPV vaccination. Method A comprehensive search strategy using various scholarly search engines and sources was employed to gather relevant material. Keywords such as “Boosting Community Engagement” and “Leveraging Ward Health System Approach” guided the search process. Methodical content analysis was used to examine the texts, focusing on identifying emerging trends in community engagement related to HPV vaccination. Discourse analysis further explored the linguistic features of scholarly publications to reveal implicit content through critical thinking. This rigorous approach aimed to extract trustworthy data aligning with the study’s goals, providing a robust foundation for enhancing HPV vaccination strategies in Nigeria. Results The results of the study provide comprehensive insights into the effectiveness of community-based interventions facilitated by the WHS in driving HPV vaccination demand and acceptance. Quantitative data offer valuable information on vaccination coverage rates and factors influencing vaccine acceptance, while qualitative findings provide deeper insights into community perceptions and the role of the WHS in addressing vaccine hesitancy. Conclusions Based on the findings, conclusions drawn regarding the effectiveness of leveraging the WHS to enhance HPV vaccination acceptance in Nigeria. The study highlights the importance of community engagement and the potential of the WHS in overcoming barriers to vaccination uptake. Recommendations The study conclude with recommendations for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders on strategies to optimize the role of the WHS in promoting HPV vaccination acceptance. Recommendations include strengthening WDC functionality, enhancing community outreach efforts, and fostering partnerships to support vaccination programs. Significance Statement This study holds significance as it addresses a critical gap in understanding the role of community-based approaches, particularly through the WHS, in promoting HPV vaccination acceptance in Nigeria. By providing evidence-based insights and recommendations, the study aims to inform policy and practice, ultimately assisting Nigeria in achieving universal health coverage and better health outcomes.