IARC Launches Training to Monitor HPV Vaccine Impact in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Lyon, France – February 18, 2026 – The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), commenced its first face-to-face training session on February 16, 2026, as part of the Center of Excellence for monitoring the impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in low- and middle-income countries (CHRONOS). The five-day intensive workshop, held at IARC in Lyon, France, brings together 15 national experts from Bangladesh, Eswatini, and Indonesia.
Strengthening Global Capacity for HPV Vaccination Impact Monitoring
This training marks a significant step in bolstering global efforts to track the effectiveness of HPV vaccination programs. Local evidence is crucial for developing cervical cancer control policies tailored to specific contexts and ensuring the comparability of programs across different regions and populations. The CHRONOS Center of Excellence, established in 2024, aims to standardize methods, materials, and tools for HPV prevalence surveys and disseminate this knowledge to partner institutions worldwide. Learn more about CHRONOS.
Workshop Objectives and Training Approach
The workshop employs a “train-the-trainer” approach, combining theoretical instruction with practical exercises and simulations. Participants will focus on four key objectives:
- Adapting study documents to each country’s local context.
- Developing tailored training materials based on national needs.
- Strengthening understanding of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory work and study implementation.
- Planning and preparing for national urine-based surveys in 2026–2027.
The CHRONOS Center of Excellence
The IARC Public Health Decision Science Team (PHDS) has spearheaded the development of the CHRONOS Center of Excellence. Building on decades of experience in epidemiological studies, the center is developing standardized procedures for planning, preparing, conducting, monitoring, and analyzing HPV prevalence surveys in women in resource-limited settings. Read more about the CHRONOS approach.
Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative
This initiative aligns with the WHO’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative, which aims to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. The data generated from these surveys will provide vital evidence to inform public health leaders and drive progress towards this goal.
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