New hope in the fight against cervical cancer; A single-dose HPV vaccine is now available, offering greater protection to women worldwide.
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| Cervical cancer prevention gets a boost: WHO's decision to approve a single-dose HPV vaccine is a major victory in the fight against the disease. Image Credit: Freepik |
Geneva, Switzerland – Oct 4, 2024:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a significant milestone in the fight against cervical cancer. A fourth WHO-prequalified human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Cecolin, has been approved for use in a single-dose schedule. This decision is based on new data demonstrating the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer even when administered in a single dose.
The addition of Cecolin to the list of single-dose HPV vaccines is expected to improve vaccine supply and accessibility, especially in low- and middle-income countries where cervical cancer is a major public health concern. By expanding the options for HPV vaccination, WHO aims to reach more girls and women with this life-saving intervention.
"This is a crucial step towards eliminating cervical cancer, a preventable disease that disproportionately affects women in developing countries," said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "By providing more choices for HPV vaccination, we can ensure that more girls have the opportunity to protect themselves from this devastating disease."
Cervical cancer is caused by HPV infection, and the HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing the virus. However, global supply shortages and production challenges have hindered vaccine introductions in many countries. The approval of Cecolin for single-dose use offers a solution to these challenges and will help to accelerate vaccine coverage.
WHO estimates that the single-dose schedule adoption has resulted in at least 6 million additional girls being reached with HPV vaccines in 2023. With the continued support of partners and increased funding, WHO aims to achieve 90% coverage of HPV vaccine among girls by 15 years of age by 2030.