A Historic Milestone: HPV Vaccination Campaign Reaches Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, UNHCR, and other health partners, launched an HPV vaccination campaign in the Rohingya camps. This campaign aims to provide free HPV vaccines to female students from Grade 5 to Grade 9 and out-of-school female adolescents aged 10 to 14 years, marking a significant step toward preventing cervical cancer within the camps.
Part of a Nationwide Effort
This campaign is part of a broader nationwide HPV vaccination program across seven Divisions in Bangladesh from October 24th to November 28th, 2024. HPV vaccination is a critical component of the WHO Global Strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. Globally, implementing this strategy could prevent 74 million cases of cervical cancer and save the lives of over 60 million girls and women in the next century.
"I am pleased to launch this campaign for Rohingya adolescent girls. I encourage everyone involved to address any queries or concerns from vaccine recipients, counter misinformation, and handle any cases with adverse reactions with care and empathy. Please engage more with religious leaders to raise awareness within the community."
— Dr. S.M. Abdullah Al Murad, Line Director MNCAH
A Global First for Refugee Camps
The HPV campaign in the Rohingya camps ran from December 3rd to 11th, 2024, targeting a population of 63,637 girls across 33 camps and Bhasan Char. Notably, this marks the first-ever HPV vaccination campaign conducted in a refugee camp setting globally.
"This is a valuable contribution to both Bangladesh and the international community," noted Dr. Rajendra Bohara, Team Lead IVD, WHO Bangladesh.
Effective Implementation and Community Engagement
68 health facilities (55 in Ukhiya and 13 in Teknaf) were selected for the campaign based on criteria such as AEFI management capacity, accessibility, and logistical considerations. Over 2,000 team members, including 1,600 Community Health Workers, 150 Community Health Supervisors, 68 facility managers, 136 AEFI managers, and 136 vaccinators, were deployed. UNHCR facilitated registration using health card barcodes and Family Counting Numbers (FCN).
Effective risk communication and community awareness were crucial for the campaign’s success. Community leaders, including Majhis and Imams, played an active role, and awareness sessions were conducted with mothers to foster trust and acceptance of the vaccine. WHO-recruited Health Field Monitors (HFM) coordinated daily monitoring through Rapid Convenience Monitoring (RCM) to identify gaps and challenges.
"I am happy to take the vaccine. It will protect me from cancer and other health issues caused by HPV," said Roshni Akter, an 11.5-year-old vaccine recipient from Camp 5.
A Step Towards Health Equity
The HPV vaccination campaign in the Rohingya camps is a significant step toward addressing health inequities in vulnerable populations. Investing in preventive healthcare measures, such as the HPV vaccine, can profoundly transform the lives of at-risk girls. By providing access to this life-saving intervention, WHO and its partners are safeguarding their health and empowering them, fostering a healthier and more resilient community.
Learn More:
For further information about this publication, please contact Terence Ngwabe Che, External Communication Officer, WHO Bangladesh, Cox’s Bazar Sub Office, at chet@who.int.