Strengthening Civil Society Capacity for HPV Vaccination: Results From a Behavioral Science–Informed Learning Model Across 17 LMICsS
Sara Comstock, Ashleigh Flowers, Sutapa Biswas, Pema Lhaki, Benda Kithaka, Ishu Kataria, Deborah Martinez Villarreal, Mathangi Ramakrishnan, Isla Collee, Meenu AnandPURPOSE
Civil society organizations (CSOs) are essential partners to Ministries of Health in advancing HPV vaccination uptake. Their trusted community presence and understanding of local norms position them to share facts, dispel myths, address misinformation, and reach underserved populations. However, CSOs are often excluded from national HPV vaccination planning and face gaps in access to evidence, practical tools, and peer networks. To strengthen CSOs' capacity, national representation, and engagement, a CSO-focused behavioral-science-based learning series was developed, building on the American Cancer Society’s work with partners across Kenya, India, and Colombia that co-designed impactful HPV vaccination interventions.
METHODS
The four-month virtual learning series, combining structured learning, peer exchange, and applied implementation planning, engaged CSO leaders from 17 LMICs. The series was grounded in the Motivation–Ability–Opportunity (MAO) behavioral design framework and delivered in three phases: (1) a 4-day, 10-hour learning sprint focused on HPV vaccination, cervical cancer prevention, and behavioral science; (2) an implementation design phase with technical assistance provided every two weeks; and (3) three project showcase webinars. Program evaluation included pre- and post-training surveys, retrospective pre-post measures, program records, and faculty debriefs.
RESULTS
Fifty-six CSO leaders from 29 organizations across 17 countries participated. HPV vaccination knowledge increased from 79% pre-training to 88% post-training. Retrospective pre–post assessments showed marked gains in organizational prioritization of HPV vaccination (46% to 71% strongly agree), behavioral science project design capability (14% to 77%), and understanding of funding pathways (11% to 66%). Engagement remained high, with 97% of participants rating the program “Excellent” or “Very Good.” The majority of CSOs developed feasible, low-cost interventions for their communities, and six received implementation grants for 2026.
CONCLUSION
This initiative demonstrates that a virtual, behavioral science–informed learning model can rapidly and effectively strengthen CSO capacity to advance HPV vaccination across diverse LMIC settings. By democratizing access to evidence, tools, and peer learning, the approach enables locally driven implementation while offering a scalable, replicable strategy for strengthening CSO engagement in cervical cancer elimination efforts worldwide.