Prime Highlight
- More than one million cervical cancer deaths have been prevented in lower-income countries following a three-year global push to expand HPV vaccine access.
- Gavi achieved its target of protecting 86 million girls ahead of schedule, moving closer to eliminating cervical cancer, a largely preventable disease.
Key Facts
- By the end of 2025, over 50 countries will have introduced the HPV vaccine with Gavi’s support, covering regions responsible for 89% of global cervical cancer cases.
- Africa’s HPV vaccine coverage rose to 44% by end-2024, surpassing Europe, while the programme has generated US$2.32 billion in economic benefits across 43 countries since 2014.
Background
More than one million cervical cancer deaths have been prevented in lower-income countries, after a three-year global effort to expand access to the HPV vaccine, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, announced on Monday. The milestone was shared on the first World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day and marks the successful completion of Gavi’s target to protect 86 million girls ahead of schedule.
Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, said the achievement reflects strong coordination and commitment from national governments, partners, and communities. “Every two minutes, a woman dies from cervical cancer, a largely preventable disease. Thanks to global cooperation, we have reached our goal early and moved closer to eliminating one of the deadliest diseases affecting women,” she said.
Cervical cancer hits lower-income countries the hardest due to limited access to screening and treatment. These countries reported 90% of the 350,000 cervical cancer deaths in 2022. The HPV vaccine, which prevents human papillomavirus infections, is highly effective and can avert up to 17.4 deaths per 1,000 vaccinated children.
When Gavi launched its HPV programme in 2014, vaccine access was limited, and global coverage remained low. Africa’s coverage was only 4%. Over the years, Gavi worked with governments, manufacturers, and health partners to overcome supply and awareness barriers. By end-2022, 13 million girls had been vaccinated, though global coverage was still just 14%.
The revitalised campaign launched in 2023 accelerated progress. By the end of 2025, more than 50 countries will have introduced the vaccine with Gavi’s support, covering regions that account for 89% of global cervical cancer cases. Africa’s coverage rose sharply to 44% by end-2024, surpassing Europe.
Gavi said the programme also delivers strong economic returns, generating US$2.32 billion in benefits across 43 countries since 2014.
