The challenge of vaccine hesitancy and rejection, with a focus on Cameroon and Africa: a mini review

Abstract

Background: The proportion of COVID-19 vaccination in Africa countries remains lower than other low and middle-income countries around the world. This rate is much lower in sub-Saharan Africa especially Cameroon. The low rate among these countries is attributed to vaccine hesitancy, mainly due to misinformation about vaccine origin, efficacy, and safety and the use of local herbs. Methods: From January to April 2022, we gathered latest experiences and opinions on four vaccine hesitancy-related areas, namely policies, perceived low risk, religious factors and use of local herbs in Cameroon in particular and some selected African countries in general; from published information in the literature. Results and recommended local solutions: The report mentions that political influences, religious beliefs and low perceived risk exists, vaccine safety and effectiveness and consumption of local herbs do contribute to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, collectively. Systematically monitoring the drivers of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, implementing tailored interventions promoting vaccine acceptance, and evaluating the impact of these interventions reduce vaccine hesitancy drastically.