Cervical cancer is a pressing global health crisis, claiming approximately 340,000 lives each year. The urgency for widespread HPV vaccination is underscored by the fact that women in lower-income countries are three times more likely to develop cervical cancer and six times more likely to die from it than their counterparts in wealthier nations. This stark inequality highlights the critical need for effective vaccination programs.
The HPV vaccination typically occurs during adolescence, a time when pediatric visits become less routine. This gap in healthcare access can lead to missed opportunities for vaccination, further exacerbating the risk of cervical cancer. In response, PATH has collaborated with immunization program managers to assess the operational context and estimate the ongoing costs of HPV vaccine delivery.
The study conducted by PATH generated vital evidence on implementing a two-dose HPV vaccination schedule across six countries: Ethiopia, Guyana, Rwanda, Senegal, Sri Lanka, and Uganda. Notably, Rwanda has achieved an impressive vaccination coverage of close to 98%, setting a benchmark for other nations striving to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ambitious 90-70-90 targets for 2030.
These targets aim for 90% of girls to be vaccinated against HPV by age 15, 90% of women screened by age 35 and again by 45, and 90% of women with cervical disease to receive treatment. Meeting these milestones is crucial, as more than 90% of cervical cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
The WHO has emphasized that cervical cancer should no longer be a cause of death for women, stating, “Cervical cancer elimination must become a financing priority.” The tools for prevention and treatment are available, and the window for action is open. However, the tragedy lies not only in the scale of the disease but also in the inequality that underpins it.
As the world marked the first World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day in November 2025, the call to action has never been more urgent. If humanity successfully eliminates cervical cancer, it will be the first time a cancer has been eradicated as a public health threat. This goal is attainable, but it requires immediate and sustained efforts to ensure that HPV vaccination reaches those most at risk.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific strategies that will be employed to increase vaccination rates in underserved populations. However, the commitment to cervical cancer elimination is clear, and the need for action is immediate. The stakes are high, and the health of millions of women worldwide hangs in the balance.