Progress in HPV vaccination in low‐ and lower‐middle‐income countries

Abstract

The past 10years have seen remarkable progress in the global scale-up of human K E Y W O R D S

Prevention of Cervical Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa: the Promises and Challenges of HPV Vaccination

“…The first national HPV vaccination programs began in high-income countries in 2007, and vaccines have now been licensed in over 100 countries [7]. HPV vaccines have been shown to be at least 95% effective in preventing infection with the most oncogenic strains of HPV, and 100% effective in preventing precancerous changes of the cervix when administered prior to the onset of sexual activity [1,4]. In countries with national immunisation programs, girls aged nine to twelve are generally targeted [5].…”

“…In countries with national immunisation programs, girls aged nine to twelve are generally targeted [5]. Since 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a two-dose schedule instead of a threedose schedule, which reduces delivery costs while maintaining high immunogenic protection [4,5].…”

“…There is already robust evidence that HPV vaccination reduces cervical cancer incidence; a recent systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that HPV prevalence decreased significantly when countries achieved coverage rates of over 50% [18]. [4,19,20]. GAVI-eligible countries can apply for HPV vaccines and funding assistance for HPV vaccination demonstration project, and most countries in SSA are eligible for GAVI support [19,20].…”

“…The introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has allowed for effective primary prevention of cervical cancer and has already demonstrated important impacts on reducing incidence in high-income countries [3]. HPV vaccination is a promising preventive measure for SSA, and a number of countries in SSA have implemented or are planning for implementation of HPV vaccination programs [4][5][6]. It is thus timely to consider the challenges to successful implementation in SSA and how some countries, such as Rwanda, have managed to overcome these and achieve high vaccine coverage.…”

Cervical cancer prevention for all women: Why now?

“…In the first paper, a group of world leaders in cancer and reproductive health make an urgent appeal for action to accelerate and expand prevention efforts, building on what is already in place . Next, LaMontagne et al . review the surprisingly rapid initial uptake of HPV vaccine among LMICs, while acknowledging the daunting challenges faced by countries wanting to transform their pilot efforts into sustainable nationwide programs.…”