The document discusses the importance of strategic communication in the successful introduction of technologies for cervical cancer prevention, including HPV vaccination and screening. It highlights the statistics on cervical cancer incidence and mortality, particularly in developing countries, and outlines key communication needs for various stakeholders such as parents, health providers, and policymakers. Furthermore, it emphasizes advocacy and comprehensive program promotion to raise awareness and reduce stigma associated with vaccination.

1. If you build it, will they come? The necessity of strategic communication for successful technology introduction Scott Wittet, PATH WRIHC Conference April 4, 2009

2. Awareness raising & demand creation (community and family) Advocacy (policymakers, advisors, donors) Training (health staff) Media relations and outreach Guidelines and standards Crisis communications Communication skills training Aspects of communication

3. The HPV-cervical cancer link HPV (human papillomavirus) is the primary cause of cervical cancer Annually cervical cancer affects 490,000 women, with more than 270,000 deaths About 85% of women dying from cervical cancer reside in developing countries

4. Cervical cancer incidence 2002 Central and South America 71,862 Europe 59,931 North America 14,670 Africa 78,897 Asia 265884 Ferlay J, Bray F, Pisani P, Parkins DM; International Agency for Reserch on Cancer (IARC). GLOBOCAN 2002: Cancer Incidence, Mortality, and Prevalence Worldwise. Lyon, France: IARCPress; 2004. CancerBase No. 5, version 2.0.

5. * Prevent HPV infection vaccination of girls or lifelong abstinence * Prevent progression to cancer screening and treatment of adult women Two ways to prevent disease

6. Comm 101: What’s in a name? Cervical cancer vaccine or HPV vaccine or STI vaccine? Concerns about stigma Results from US* High coverage in Peru, Uganda, Vietnam * Leader AE et al. Effects of information framing on human papillomavirus vaccination. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2009 Feb;18(2):225-33

7. Parents Why vaccinate? Why screen? How to access services? Providers Disease burden? Clinical skills? Decision-makers Long-term financing? Political landscape? Impact on constituents? Key communication needs

8. Interpret the science for diverse audiences Parents and girls Providers and decision-makers Document support Promote comprehensive programs Advocacy and communication strategies

9. Science on the web www.path.org/cervicalcancer www.RHO.org

10. Document evidence of support Over 370 letters, op-eds and other statements of support for cervical cancer prevention from +1,200 signatories to the Global Call to Stop Cervical Cancer Dossier compiled by

11. Makes public health sense Brings more partners to the table Reduces competition between screening and vaccination Promote comprehensive programs

12. Injection safety in Nepal “ We were already thinking about trying to clean up the dirty syringes and other waste, but weren’t sure how to do it. We thought we had to buy a big incinerator which costs around US$13,000. But we could never have that unless it was donated.” Chief, Environmental Division, City of Hetauda, Nepal

14. Introduction challenges Safer burning… but is “harm reduction” enough? Who knows what’s best for the community? Not high tech enough? Not enough time / budget?

15. “ Previously I had to manage my waste in a hidden way, secretly. But now I can proudly do the right thing.” Health Post In-Charge, Santapur “ Do the villagers mind the smoke from the concrete ring burner? Remember, before we had this burner their children would come home with dirty syringes and farmers would find bloody gauze floating in their irrigation ditches. No, they don’t mind the smoke we sometimes make—they feel the community is much cleaner and safer now.” Health Post Chief, Manahari

17. Thank you Scott Wittet Advocacy and Communication PATH Cervical Cancer Programs [email_address] www.path.org/cervicalcancer www.RHO.org