On the International Day of the Girl Child, new HPV vaccine is hailed as a lifesaver

Across Africa, too many women are still dying from cervical cancer – a disease that is almost entirely preventable with HPV vaccines.  

For too long, these vaccines have been out of reach for many girls across the continent.  

But in early October, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a decision that will help countries around the world reach more girls with these lifesaving vaccines.

The decision adds a new vaccine, Cecolin, that can be given in just one dose – in addition to two existing vaccines– helping countries vaccinate more girls with fewer resources. 

This could have a particularly big impact in Africa, which is home to 19 of the top 20 countries with the highest burden of cervical cancer. In many of these countries, access to screening and treatment for cervical cancer is limited. 

Critical preventative tool

Most cases of cervical cancer are treatable, but too many women don’t know they have cancer until it’s too late. Even when it’s caught early enough, these women may not live close enough to a hospital with the resources and specialists needed to treat cervical cancer, let alone have the funds to afford care. 

That’s why vaccines are a critical preventative tool. Vaccines that protect girls against HPV infection – the main cause of cervical cancer – are highly effective at preventing them from developing cervical cancer later in life.

For years, organizations like PATH, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and many others have strived to raise awareness about how HPV vaccines can improve the lives of the people in their communities.  

Thanks to these efforts, and the commitment of many African leaders to protect future generations of women against cervical cancer, we’ve made impressive progress on HPV vaccination. In 2023, 40% of girls in the African Region had received a dose of HPV vaccine, compared to only 21% in 2020. Still, vaccine coverage rates are far below what they should be if we are going to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.  

More choice to address supply shortages

While many African countries are ready to introduce HPV vaccines or scale up programs, vaccine supply shortages are hindering progress.  

Every day that vaccination programs are delayed places more girls at risk of cervical cancer as they grow up. Since HPV vaccination programs mainly target girls aged 9-14, delays mean that many girls will miss out on lifesaving protection if countries are not able to reach them within this narrow window.  

Additional vaccine supply that can be given on a one-dose schedule can help countries reach more girls with these lifesaving vaccines.  

Previously, HPV vaccination has followed a two-dose regimen, but according to WHO, just one dose is sufficient to protect against cervical cancer.

Nearly 60 countries have decided to follow a one-dose schedule, from high-income to low- and middle-income countries. Countries that made the switch in 2023 increased HPV vaccine coverage by an average of 8%, vaccinating an estimated six million additional girls. 

African countries are leading efforts that could protect more girls by using a one-dose schedule – 17 African countries have already switched. 

WHO’s decision offers a new path for countries that want to introduce HPV vaccines or expand their programs using a one-dose schedule. This could be especially helpful for countries supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which helps governments by co-financing immunization programs and helping them procure vaccines for subsidized prices. Now all three HPV vaccines on the Gavi menu can be used with a one-dose schedule. 

 Having a variety of HPV vaccines to use with a one-dose schedule means countries don’t have to wait as long to introduce vaccines.

If one manufacturer has issues, like delays or shortages, countries can rely on other options to keep HPV vaccination programs running smoothly, ensuring girls don’t have to miss out on the opportunity to get vaccinated.

Several countries in Asia and Africa are already considering what WHO’s decision could mean for their HPV vaccination efforts.   

WHO’s decision is more than just an update to a technical document; it is an opportunity for African countries to commit to safeguarding the health and future of the next generation of women.

Cervical cancer elimination is within reach, in Africa and beyond. By seizing this moment and embracing the one-dose HPV vaccine schedule, governments and leaders can ensure that no girl is left behind.

Cathy Ndiaye is Director of HPV Vaccine Programs at PATH. PATH is a global nonprofit dedicated to achieving health equity. With more than 40 years of experience forging multisector partnerships, and with expertise in science, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialities, PATH develops and scales up innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing health challenges.

Image Credits: Gavi, Nadia Marini/ MSF .