Protects against the main causes of cervical cancer, which claimed the lives of around 350,000 women in 2023, of which over 90% are in low- and middle-income countries.
Protects against the main causes of cervical cancer, which claimed the lives of around 350,000 women in 2023, of which over 90% are in low- and middle-income countries.
Latest articles about HPV Vaccine profiles: HPV
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage in the 57 lower-income countries supported by Gavi increased from 4% in 2019 to 8% in 2022 and 16% in 2023. This was largely driven by new countries introducing the vaccine into their national immunisation programmes. By end 2023, 38 countries had successfully launched their HPV vaccine national programme with Gavi support, fully immunising more than 27.3 million girls since 2014, which translates to over 605,000 future cervical cancer deaths averted with Gavi support.
In a WHO position paper released in December 2022, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) recommended a one- or two-dose schedule for HPV vaccine. A single dose schedule greatly simplifies delivery of the vaccine, as you only need to reach a girl one time for full protection. In response to this potential gamechanger for Gavi’s HPV vaccine programme – and to overcome the challenges and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HPV vaccine coverage – in December 2022, the Gavi Board approved the revitalisation of Gavi’s HPV vaccine programme with a US$ 600+ million investment through 2025. With additional funding in place, the Alliance has set an ambitious goal to reach over 86 million girls with HPV vaccine by end of 2025, aiming to avert over 1.4 million future deaths from cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, causing more than 209,000 deaths in 2022 in lower-income countries. However, HPV is associated with over 90% of these cancers, and vaccination provides high protection against cervical cancer. HPV vaccine has among the highest impact of all Gavi-supported vaccines, with 17.4 deaths averted per 1,000 children vaccinated, and is one of the key interventions towards achieving the global strategy for cervical cancer elimination.
HPV vaccination is critical to reducing cervical cancer, especially in lower-income countries with a high disease burden and less developed cervical cancer screening and treatment programmes. It is also a bridge to improving women’s and girls’ health through increased touchpoints with health services, and therefore an opportunity to positively impact gender equity.
Historically, the high cost of HPV vaccine, limited supply and challenges of reaching adolescent girls to deliver immunisation have been barriers to introduction in lower-income countries. Gavi is working to bridge the equity gap by providing support for national HPV vaccine introductions and ensuring sustainable prices. Gavi supports routine HPV vaccine delivery to a single cohort of girls (e.g. aged 9 years); and a multi-age cohort (MAC) (e.g. aged 10–14) in the year of introduction.
By (1) accelerating quality introductions; (2) rapidly improving global and national coverage; and (3) generating long-term programmatic sustainability, the revitalisation will allow Gavi to dedicate additional funding to help countries and partners reach more girls than ever with this life-saving vaccine. Support available under the US$ 600+ million revitalisation initiative includes expanded funding for vaccine purchasing, introduction and campaign activity costs, and adoption of the single dose-schedule; and expanded technical assistance from partners at regional, national and local levels. Gavi-eligible countries can also utilise health system strengthening (HSS) funding to develop tailored approaches to improve and sustain HPV vaccine coverage.
Lastly, Gavi is investing in implementation research focused on: strengthening integration of services for adolescents; integration of cervical cancer elimination strategies; and strengthening measurement of HPV vaccine coverage.
Gavi currently procures three HPV vaccines that have been prequalified by WHO. After severe supply constraints starting in 2017, HPV vaccine supply outlook is improving – supported by rapid uptake of the single-dose schedule, ramped up production from suppliers and WHO prequalification of new HPV vaccine products.
Not only does HPV vaccine prevent a major cause of female mortality, HPV vaccine delivery is also a touchpoint between adolescent girls and health services which can act as a bridge to improving women’s and girls’ health across the life course. It is an opportunity to build adolescents’ knowledge and trust in the healthcare system; deliver other essential health and education services; and empower girls through involving them in programme design and social mobilisation activities.
Social and cultural norms, and the unequal status of women in many societies, can reduce the chances of children and adolescents being vaccinated, by preventing girls and their caregivers from accessing immunisation services. For example, school-based vaccination programmes may miss girls who are not able to attend school due to gender-related barriers. Therefore, Gavi is investing in innovative approaches to reach out-of-school girls, and to achieve high and equitable coverage.
The Nigerian cleric on a mission to protect girls from cervical cancer
When Koranic scholar Sheikh Dr Ismail Zakariyya Al-Kashnawii from Katsina state got his daughters vaccinated against the human papillomavirus, he wasn’t just protecting them, he was setting an example.
“Did you know we can prevent a cancer?” How talking about cervical cancer could help to eliminate it
Cervical cancer kills almost 350,000 women each year. Author and cervical cancer prevention expert Dr Linda Eckert explains why she can no longer tolerate these needless deaths.
HPV vaccines help reduce US cervical cancer deaths by 62%
New data suggests a dramatic fall in cervical precancers and deaths since the introduction of the HPV vaccine in the USA.
Over a million girls turn out for Nepal's first HPV vaccine campaign
Nearly 1.5 million girls in Nepal are now protected from cervical cancer, with millions more to be shielded in coming years.
Bangladesh makes HPV vaccine routine after successful launch campaign
Bangladesh has concluded its phased HPV vaccine introductory campaign with 5.6 million girls protected – a positive indicator for how the cancer-blocking vaccine will be embraced in years to come.
After pandemic setback and natural disasters, Malawi school teachers help dial up HPV vaccine uptake
The government’s strategy of training up teachers to explain the science to confused or worried parents is working, learns Ashley Simango.
Nigerian army wives take the fight to cervical cancer
While their husbands defend their country from security threats in in the country’s north, a group of wives of Nigerian army officers are campaigning for the HPV vaccine, in hopes of definitively routing cervical cancer.
Campaigning against cancer in northeastern Kenya
Kenya’s Wajir County has high rates of cervical cancer and strikingly low rates of HPV vaccination. Pius Sawa asks what it will take to reverse the trend.
New study gives insights into how the immune system kicks out HPV
Study maps the immune responses underpinning non-persistent infections with human papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer.
"Then God sent Mr Balinda" – the Rwandan nurse supporting cervical cancer patients
For patients, getting through cancer treatment is a trial. One nurse’s efforts to provide both material and emotional support has made a major difference.
How self-testing for HPV infection could improve cervical cancer screening
Earlier detection of pre-cancerous and cancerous cells could save lives, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
In pictures: HPV vaccines reach remote Mongolia
Mongolia has just introduced the life-saving HPV vaccine, aiming to protect 90% of its children against cancer. VaccinesWork visited a school in Töv Province to see how the roll-out was going.
Eligible countries can access detailed guidelines to manage the support they receive from Gavi.
