Background Over the years, the incidence of Human papillomavirus infections in Cameroon is on the rise (most prevalent in cervical cancer) with an estimate of 2770 new cases/year and 1787 deaths/year in women according to 2021 reports. In 2023, national statistics indicate that cervical cancer accounted for 20.9% of cancers affecting women while 2.9% of men were diagnosed with HPV-related infections. Vaccination against HPV is effective in reducing the burden of the HPV associated diseases, nonetheless 19% (Dhis-2) of girls aged 9years in Cameroon were immunized against HPV in 2022. In Cameroon, following introduction of vaccination against HPV in boys in January, 2023, Periodic Intensification of routine immunization was used to strengthen vaccination against HPV in girls and boys in 03 health districts of the Southwest region.

Methods Microplans and lists of lost to follow up children were elaborated at health area level to identify areas with poor routine immunization performance prior to the intervention. There was also media sensitization, stakeholder meetings organized at health area and district level with local authorities. There after PIRI was conducted by each health district in 03 rounds using CHWs and healthcare providers accepted by the community. Study data was obtained from the district health information software and regional performance reports.

Results A total of 3401 girls and 2161 boys age 9years were vaccinated in which the region gained 8 points for girls and boys respectively when compared to 2 and 3 points the region gained in 2021 and 2022 through the same intervention.

Conclusion Successful implementation of PIRI in 03 health districts with high level implication of community actors in the conflict affected Southwest region contributed to an improvement in HPV vaccination performance.

This activity was funded by UNICEF