Over 86 Million Girls Protected & Over 1 Million Deaths Prevented Thanks to HPV Vaccination Efforts
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A concerted global effort led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and in partnership with low-income countries, has resulted in over 86 million girls being protected against the human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer, and has prevented over one million potential deaths. This achievement, announced in November 2023, demonstrates the significant impact of widespread HPV vaccination programs.
The Impact of HPV and Cervical Cancer
cervical cancer remains a major global health challenge, particularly in low-income countries where access to screening and treatment is limited. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with an estimated 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths in 2020 alone.[[WHO Cervical Cancer Fact Sheet]Every two minutes, a woman dies from cervical cancer. [Gavi Statement, November 2023] In 2022, 90% of the 350,000 cervical cancer deaths occurred in low-income countries. [Gavi Statement, november 2023]
HPV is a common virus that can cause various cancers, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection with the types of HPV that cause the majority of these cancers. Studies show a mortality rate of 17.4 per 1,000 vaccinated children. [Gavi Statement, November 2023]
GaviS Role in Expanding HPV Vaccination Access
Gavi, a public-private global health partnership, plays a crucial role in improving access to vaccines in the world’s poorest countries. In 2023, gavi relaunched its HPV vaccination program with the goal of protecting millions of young girls.[[Gavi press Release]Dr. Sania Nishtar, President of Gavi, emphasized that this goal was achieved ahead of schedule due to the “exceptional commitment of countries, partners, civil society and communities.” [Gavi Statement, november 2023]
Gavi’s strategy focuses on several key areas:
* Reducing Vaccine Costs: Gavi has negotiated considerably lower vaccine prices for supported countries, ranging from US$2.90 to US$5.18 per dose, compared to prices of US$100 or more in other markets. [Gavi Statement,November 2023] This is achieved through guaranteed volume orders from manufacturers,encouraging investment in vaccine production.
* Increasing Vaccine Supply: By securing commitments from manufacturers, Gavi ensures a stable and sufficient supply of HPV vaccines.
* Supporting National Immunization Programs: Gavi provides financial and technical support to countries to implement and strengthen their HPV vaccination programs.
Progress and Future Goals
As of late 2023, over 50 countries had introduced the HPV vaccine with Gavi support. By the end of 2025, the vaccine will be available in countries that collectively account for 89% of global cervical cancer cases. [Gavi Statement, November 2023] Gavi estimates that its efforts will prevent a total of 1.4 million deaths.[Gavi Statement, November 2023]
The WHO has launched a global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030.[[WHO Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative]This strategy focuses on three key pillars: vaccination, screening, and treatment.
Continued investment in HPV vaccination programs, alongside improved screening and treatment access, is essential to achieving this ambitious goal and protecting women and girls worldwide from this preventable disease.
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