HPV Vaccine Linked to 58% Reduction in Cervical Cancer Cases in Brazil, Study Finds
BRASILIA – A new study reveals that HPV vaccination in Brazil has led to a notable 58% reduction in cervical cancer cases, demonstrating the vaccine’s effectiveness in a resource-limited setting and bolstering its potential as a key public health strategy globally. The findings, released today, underscore the importance of widespread vaccination in combating the disease, which remains a leading cause of female mortality in the country.
Researchers emphasize the impact extends beyond simply lowering cancer rates. “The impact observed in Brazil confirms that HPV vaccination is effective not only in high-income countries but also in settings with limited resources,” stated the study authors from Fiocruz Bahia, including Thiago Cerqueira-Silva, Manoel Barral-Netto, and Viviane Sampaio Boaventura. “This is a essential step toward the global elimination of cervical cancer.” The results demonstrate the vaccine’s potential as one of the most effective public health strategies for saving lives and reducing inequalities in access to healthcare.
Brazil’s National Immunization Program (PNI) has offered the HPV vaccine free of charge through the SUS (Unified Health System) since 2014. In 2024,the country transitioned to a single-dose regimen,aligning with the latest scientific evidence. Further expanding access, 2025 guidelines include vaccination for adolescents aged 15 to 19, and also priority groups such as users of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), immunosuppressed individuals, and patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.
Cervical cancer is currently the second most common cancer among Brazilian women. Vaccination is considered a crucial tool for reducing health inequalities and supporting the world Health Organization (WHO) goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem.
Approximately 50% to 70% of sexually active people will be exposed to HPV at some point in their lives. The vaccine protects against up to 98% of the most dangerous oncogenic types. The vaccine is available free of charge through the SUS and is recommended for:
* Girls and boys aged 9 to 14;
* Women and men living with HIV;
* Recipients of solid organ or bone marrow transplants;
* Cancer patients aged 9 to 45;
* Victims of sexual abuse;
* Immunocompetent individuals aged 15 to 45 (men and women) who have not received the HPV vaccine or have an incomplete vaccination schedule.
