“MY CHOICE – A FUTURE PROTECTED FROM CANCER”: Young people turn HPV awareness into peer-to-peer learning

Chișinău, 27 October 2026 – Adolescents across all districts of the Republic of Moldova will learn about human papillomavirus (HPV) prevention and the importance of vaccination through the “My Choice – A Future Protected from Cancer” awareness and behaviour change campaign, which aims to build confidence in HPV vaccination. Through interactive games, presentations and peer-to-peer discussions, Youth Klinic Moldova volunteers will share reliable, medically accurate information with their peers, helping them distinguish myths from evidence-based facts.

The campaign aims to raise awareness among adolescents about the role of HPV vaccination in preventing HPV-related cancers and to improve access to accurate, evidence-based information for young people and parents. To achieve this, the campaign will mobilize the Youth Klinic Moldova volunteer network, active across 40 youth-friendly health centres, to conduct peer-to-peer awareness activities in schools and communities, including activities involving refugee adolescents.

The campaign will also engage young people online through reels, videos, articles and content co-created with adolescents. By using engaging, youth-friendly digital content, including materials developed by young people themselves, the campaign will address common myths, encourage informed decision-making and promote open dialogue and youth participation.

Young people and parents who have questions about HPV and vaccination are encouraged to consult their family doctor or visit their nearest Youth Klinic Moldova centre. For information and guidance, they can contact the YOUTH KLINIC SUPPORT LINE at 0 800 800 22. Young people can also submit questions through YKChat, an online counselling service available on Telegram.

HPV vaccination is available free of charge in the Republic of Moldova for girls and boys aged 9–26. For children aged 9–14, the vaccination schedule consists of a single dose, while adolescents and young adults aged 15–26 receive two doses administered six months apart.

HPV vaccination coverage in the Republic of Moldova remains low. According to the latest available data, just over 46% of girls aged 10–14 have been vaccinated against HPV, compared with approximately 4% of boys in the same age group. Increasing vaccination coverage, alongside screening and timely treatment, is essential to achieving the goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem.

The “My Choice – A Future Protected from Cancer” awareness and behaviour change campaign, aimed at increasing confidence in and demand for HPV vaccination, is implemented by UNICEF, the NGO Health for Youth, and the network of Youth-Friendly Health Centres – Youth Klinic Moldova, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Research, with financial support from the German Government through the German Development Bank (KfW) and the UK Government.