Acceptability of vaccination against HIV: A mapping of Togolese people's positions

In anticipation of a future HIV vaccine, we mapped the different personal positions regarding HIV vaccination of people in Togo. In early 2014, 363 adults indicated their willingness to receive a future HIV vaccine under different conditions varying as a function of five factors: perceived susceptibility to HIV, vaccine effectiveness, perceived severity of AIDS, vaccine cost, and family's influence. We found five qualitatively different positions: unconditional acceptance (49%), depends on cost/effectiveness ratio (20%), depends on cost (18%), total indecision (10%), and complete reluctance (3%). Accordingly, HIV vaccination strategies in Togo and elsewhere in Africa need to be multifaceted and tailored.