A three-year global campaign led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has protected an estimated 86 million girls against human papillomavirus (HPV), preventing 1.4 million future cervical cancer deaths in low-income countries.
Cervical cancer, caused by HPV, disproportionately affects low-income countries that often lack screening services and access to treatment. In 2022 alone, 350,000 women died from the disease, with 90 percent of these deaths occurring in resource-limited regions, according to Gavi.
The campaign marks a significant achievement in global health. Gavi CEO Sania Nishtar praised the “incredible commitment” of countries and partners, emphasizing that this collaborative effort is driving progress toward eliminating one of the deadliest diseases affecting women.
In Africa, the vaccine coverage rate has risen from just four percent in 2014 to 44 percent in 2024—surpassing Europe, where coverage stands at 38 percent. Gavi achieved this by leveraging economies of scale, securing manufacturer commitments, and lowering HPV vaccine costs for supported countries. Today, vaccines cost between $2.90 and $5.18 per dose in Gavi-supported countries, compared to over $100 elsewhere.
A major boost came from the World Health Organization’s 2022 recommendation for a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule. Previously, two doses were required, limiting the number of girls vaccinated with available stocks. The single-dose strategy now allows twice as many girls to receive protection, accelerating efforts to curb cervical cancer globally.
Despite the progress, cervical cancer remains a major threat, killing a woman every two minutes worldwide. Gavi’s campaign demonstrates the power of global collaboration, affordable vaccines, and innovative strategies in preventing a disease that has historically claimed hundreds of thousands of lives in poorer regions.
With sustained efforts and expanded vaccine access, the world moves closer to achieving the goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat.
