Deadline: 09-Dec-2025

UNICEF has launched a new initiative in Nabeul, Tunisia, to increase HPV vaccine acceptance and improve adolescent health. The program targets girls aged 12–18, parents, teachers, and community leaders through intensive social mobilization, awareness activities, and misinformation counteraction. With a budget of USD 150,000, the initiative aims to raise HPV vaccination coverage to at least 30 percent by June 2026.

UNICEF Initiative to Boost HPV Vaccine Acceptance in Nabeul, Tunisia

UNICEF is implementing a comprehensive community-based initiative in the Gouvernorat de Nabeul to strengthen adolescent health systems and significantly increase HPV vaccination coverage. The project uses social mobilization, communication campaigns, and community engagement to promote informed decision-making and reduce vaccine hesitancy.

Programme Overview

The initiative focuses on adolescent sexual and reproductive health, immunization, and reproductive health services. The goal is to raise HPV vaccination coverage among 12-year-old girls in the target areas to at least 30 percent between January 2025 and June 2026.

The project combats misinformation, fosters trust in the HPV vaccine, and empowers communities with accurate and actionable health information.

Core Objectives

Improving HPV Vaccine Awareness and Acceptance

• Increase vaccination willingness among girls aged 12–18.

• Ensure girls understand how the vaccine prevents cervical cancer.

• Encourage peer influence and positive discussions among adolescents.

Strengthening Parental Knowledge and Support

• Achieve 60% parental intention to vaccinate daughters when eligible.

• Ensure 90% of parents understand HPV risks and vaccine benefits.

• Reduce parental opposition to no more than 10% in intervention areas.

Mobilizing Community and Influential Actors

• Engage religious figures, local leaders, educators, and health professionals.

• Encourage public endorsement of the HPV vaccine.

• Organize local events, statements, and community-driven activities.

Combating Misinformation and Harmful Narratives

• Use communication strategies to counter vaccine myths.

• Promote trust through clarity, transparency, and relatable messaging.

• Build girls’ confidence with peer support and targeted information campaigns.

Key Activities

Vacci-Talks and Community Sessions

Civil society partners will lead interactive awareness activities, including:

• School-based dialogues

• Health center sessions

• Youth-space discussions

• Public venue events

• Videos, testimonials, and open Q&A sessions

These activities aim to boost understanding, dismantle misinformation, and promote community dialogue.

Inclusive Outreach

Special focus on vulnerable groups:

• Girls with disabilities

• Migrant and nomadic populations

• Girls in shelters

• Domestic workers

• Other socially excluded adolescents

The program ensures that all girls—regardless of background—have access to accurate HPV information.

Budget and Timeframe

• Total budget: USD 150,000

• Implementation period: January 2025 to June 2026

• Target: Achieve measurable increases in vaccine acceptance and reduce misinformation-driven resistance

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Legally registered associations in Tunisia

• Organizations active in health, education, youth engagement, culture, sports, media or human rights

• Parent-teacher associations

• Professional and student organizations

• Consortiums led by a Tunisian civil society association

Collaborations with:

• Regional health directorates

• School medical units

• Healthcare professionals

• Educational institutions
  are strongly encouraged.

Why This Initiative Matters

• Cervical cancer remains a major preventable health threat.

• HPV vaccination is a proven, safe and effective preventive measure.

• Social norms, misinformation and hesitancy hinder uptake.

• Community-driven engagement is essential to improving long-term adolescent health.

How to Participate (For Eligible Associations)

1. Review UNICEF’s Call for Proposals and eligibility criteria.

2. Prepare a proposal demonstrating:

   • Relevant experience in community engagement or health promotion

   • A strong communication and mobilization approach

   • Strategies for reaching vulnerable and diverse groups

3. Outline an action plan, including:

   • Planned activities (Vacci-talks, community events, outreach)

   • Target groups and expected results

   • Monitoring and reporting mechanisms

4. Submit the full application by the deadline specified in UNICEF’s announcement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to address misinformation directly in the proposal.

• Underestimating the importance of school-based engagement.

• Providing weak outreach strategies for vulnerable groups.

• Overlooking the role of community leaders in influencing parental decisions.

• Submitting budgets without clear justification for each activity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main goal of the initiative?
To increase HPV vaccine acceptance and raise coverage to at least 30% among 12-year-old girls in Nabeul.

2. Who funds this initiative?
The initiative is funded by UNICEF with an indicative budget of USD 150,000.

3. Which groups does the programme target?
Adolescent girls, parents, teachers, community leaders and healthcare professionals.

4. What are Vacci-talks?
Interactive educational sessions that promote HPV knowledge through discussions, videos, testimonials and Q&A.

5. Can organizations outside the health sector apply?
Yes, as long as they are registered in Tunisia and active in fields such as youth, education, media or community engagement.

6. What indicators will measure success?
Parental intention to vaccinate, reduced misinformation resistance, and increased willingness among girls to receive the vaccine.

7. How long is the implementation period?
January 2025 to June 2026.

Conclusion

UNICEF’s initiative in Nabeul provides an impactful opportunity to strengthen adolescent health, boost HPV vaccine acceptance and reduce cervical cancer risks. Through community engagement, collaboration with local leaders, and targeted awareness efforts, this programme aims to create an informed, supportive environment where girls and families can make confident health decisions.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.