Social Media Identified as Most Effective Tool for HPV Vaccine Awareness in Bauchi

By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:

Social media platforms have been identified as one of the most effective tools for addressing misinformation and increasing the uptake of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Bauchi State.

Speaking virtually during a two-day capacity-building workshop for social media handlers on HPV vaccine uptake in Bauchi, Ms. Sarah Francis of Upswell said findings from a mini pilot survey conducted for the campaign revealed that social media remains a powerful channel for reaching diverse audiences and correcting misconceptions about the vaccine.

According to her, the survey showed that involving religious leaders, cultural influencers, and community voices through various communication channels greatly improves public trust and acceptance of the HPV vaccine.

Ms. Francis also noted that the use of the Hausa language was found to be the simplest and most effective way of communicating messages on HPV vaccination to the target audience.

She commended the Bauchi State Government for its commitment to combating the Human Papillomavirus through vaccination campaigns and awareness creation initiatives.

In a presentation on culturally sensitive messaging for Northern Nigeria, the Assistant State Health Educator, Alhaji Sani Hassan, urged social media handlers and health promoters to adopt communication methods that align with the cultural and religious values of the people.

He emphasized the importance of considering family hierarchy, religion, community trust, language, modesty, and privacy when developing health messages.

Alhaji Hassan further encouraged content creators and influencers to use Hausa language in their campaigns to ensure easy understanding among community members.

He also advised health workers seeking consent for HPV vaccination to communicate with respect, use faith-based approaches where necessary, speak in Hausa, respect caregivers, and dress decently in line with cultural expectations.