As part of the Joint Action PERCH (PartnERship to Contrast HPV), the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità – ISS) has launched a powerful and creative campaign to raise awareness about the importance of HPV vaccination.
To mark European Immunization Week 2025, ISS unveiled “Proteggi il domani” (Protect Tomorrow) – a rap song and video created by Italian secondary school students. This initiative is part of the broader work of Work Package 6 (WP6), which focuses on increasing knowledge and awareness to improve HPV vaccine uptake among adolescents and their parents.
The music video, filled with youthful spirit and positive energy, delivers scientifically sound messages in a language that resonates with teens—empowering them to become ambassadors of public health in their own communities.
“We believe youth voices are essential to combat vaccine hesitancy. This rap project demonstrates how health communication can be inclusive, creative, and effective,” says the coordinator of the project PERCH Raffaella Bucciardini.
HPV Communication in Schools: A Strategic Approach
Schools are central to WP6’s strategy to reach adolescents, parents, and teachers with reliable and engaging health information. The campaign in Italy exemplifies this approach: combining education, creativity, and peer-to-peer engagement to tackle misinformation and promote vaccine confidence.
The initiative aligns with PERCH’s goals to:
- Address barriers to HPV vaccine uptake;
- Promote trusted communication channels;
- Leverage the school setting to engage target groups.
Don’t miss this dynamic piece of youth-driven health promotion!
▶️ Watch “Proteggi il domani”: EU Health repost on X
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEjehSEk60Q
We thank the students and educators involved in this inspiring project, which showcases the potential of participatory communication to support public health goals.