Learning from Kosovo

When 18 members of Tajikistan’s delegation boarded their flight to Kosovo1, they carried more than luggage. They brought questions, expectations, and hopes for how their country can successfully introduce the HPV vaccine, ensure equitable access, raise public awareness, and protect future generations from cervical cancer.

For Tajikistan, where plans to introduce HPV vaccination are underway, the visit to Kosovo was more than an exchange of technical knowledge. It was a chance to see firsthand how Kosovo institutions with support from UNICEF and other partners introduced the HPV vaccine, overcame challenges of communication, and coordination to protect its children. 

From policy to people: Lessons from Kosovo

The visit began in Pristina, where the delegation was welcomed by Kosovo’s Ministry of Health, discussing how everything started, how important it was to have commitment of decision makers, and how relevant and effective communication strategies helped public trust and how today, Kosovo has achieved impressive results, with nearly 85% of 12 years old adolescent girls already vaccinated against HPV.

At the National Institute of Public Health, conversations turned technical. Delegates leaned forward as specialists demonstrated Kosovo’s digital immunization registry a tool that tracks vaccine coverage in real time and helps identify zero-dose and under-immunized children. “This is something we can adapt for Tajikistan, said Mahtob Bobokhonova, Deputy Director of the Republican Center for Immunoprophylaxis in Tajikistan. She further added: it is inspiring to see how the government of Kosovo increased its immunization budget from one million to six million euro, an impressive demonstration of commitment to immunization and the prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases, which can be very relevant for the context of Tajikistan. 

But perhaps the most powerful lessons came outside meeting rooms. In a community based center in Fushe Kosovo, the delegation met community volunteers. One mother-turned-volunteer described how she goes door to door, speaking with parents about HPV and cancer prevention. “Sometimes people are afraid,” she explained, “but when I tell them I vaccinated my own daughter, they listen.” Her sincerity left a deep impression on the Tajikistan delegation, reminding them that trust is built through personal connection.

Building trust through engagement

In Kosovo, HPV vaccination also faced cultural and religious questions. The solution was to engage trusted figures  doctors, teachers, and religious leaders. Tajikistan delegation saw clear parallels for their own context. As Bakhtiryor Yunuszuda, Head of Religious Harmony at Tajikistan’s Committee on Religious Affairs, reflected:
“Directly involving qualified doctors in mosques to explain the HPV vaccine can significantly increase awareness and trust. This approach could positively influence family decision-makers and improve coverage in Tajikistan.”

The study tour also highlighted inclusive outreach. Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities in Kosovo were engaged through NGOs established by members of these communities themselves. This showed Tajikistan delegation how civil society can play a vital role as a bridge between government policy and families on the ground.

Equally important was Kosovo’s communication strategy. Parents were informed one week ahead through clear invitations by NIPH and school directors explaining the vaccine, its benefits, and side effects, with information also shared on digital platforms like social media platforms and chat apps. Schools, health centers, and parent associations worked together to deliver one message, while trusted figures from doctors to educators  appeared in media to reinforce credibility. Follow-up sessions with hesitant parents proved especially effective, turning doubt into informed consent.

As UNICEF’s Social and Behaviour Change Officer, Mahbuba Mamadatokhonova, pointed out:
“Kosovo’s strategy of informing parents early, using simple platforms like closed social media groups, and following up with hesitant parents was a practical and adaptable approach. It reinforced that building trust requires both transparency and empathy — lessons we will carefully tailor for Tajikistan.”

Inspiration in leadership and collaboration

For Dr. Salahuddin Sadi, WHO’s Immunization Officer in Tajikistan, the visit was also about inspiration:

“What impressed me most was the leadership of Dr. Fetije, Head of Immunization in Kosovo. She showed us that strong systems are built not only on protocols but also on compassionate leadership. It reminded us that HPV vaccination is more than a biomedical intervention, it is a chance to build equity, empower girls, and strengthen trust in the health system.”

At the close of the visit, as the Tajikistan delegation and UNICEF in Kosovo team gathered to reflect, one theme stood out above all others:

 “Kosovo is leading the way in protecting girls against cervical cancer by making the HPV vaccine universally available with the support of GAVI. In its first year of introduction in 2023, the programme reached over 75% of eligible girls. It was both a pleasure and a rewarding challenge to collaborate with partners over four days, sharing strategies and interventions with colleagues from Tajikistan and highlighting what made Kosovo’s HPV vaccine introduction successful” says Dafina Mucaj, Health and Nutrition Officer in UNICEF Kosovo. 

A path forward for Tajikistan

The journey ended with gratitude, new partnerships, and a renewed sense of purpose. For Tajikistan, the Kosovo experience was not only about technical lessons but also about a vision: that HPV vaccination is an investment in cancer prevention, women’s health, and equity.

The visit showed that sensitive issues can be addressed through open dialogue, that equity-driven approaches can reach even the most underserved communities, and that lasting progress is built on strong partnerships across government, civil society, and communities. With these lessons, Tajikistan is better prepared to take its own decisive steps toward protecting future generations.

All references to Kosovo should be understood in reference to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244.