global Effort Considerably Reduces Cervical Cancer Risk
A concerted three-year effort led by Gavi, the international association focused on childhood vaccination in the world’s poorest countries, has resulted in over one million deaths from cervical cancer being prevented and approximately 86 million girls being protected against the human papillomavirus (HPV) - the primary cause of the disease.
Gavi resumed its HPV vaccination program in 2023, aiming to shield millions of young girls from this deadly cancer. “Thanks to the remarkable commitment of countries, partners, civil society and communities, we where able to achieve this goal sooner than expected,” stated Sania Nishtar, President of Gavi.
This collective effort is making critically important strides in eliminating cervical cancer, a disease that tragically claims the life of a woman every two minutes. The impact is notably crucial in low-income countries,where a lack of screening and treatment options accounts for 90% of the 350,000 cervical cancer deaths recorded in 2022.
Currently, over 50 countries have introduced the HPV vaccine wiht Gavi’s support. By the end of this year, the vaccine will be available in nations representing 89% of global cervical cancer cases. Gavi projects its initiatives will ultimately prevent a total of 1.4 million deaths.
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2022 recommendation for a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule has further amplified the program’s reach, allowing twice as manny girls to be vaccinated with existing supplies.
Countries like Portugal have already integrated HPV vaccination into their national programs, offering it to girls aged 10 and up, and as 2020, to boys aged 10, to protect against HPV-related cancers and genital diseases.
