WHO Introduces HPV Single-Dose Vaccine to Boost Cervical Cancer Elimination Efforts

By João L. Carapinha

October 6, 2024

The article from the World Health Organization (WHO) titled “WHO adds an HPV vaccine for single-dose use” highlights important advancements in the global initiative to combat cervical cancer through HPV vaccination, specifically through the introduction of a new single-dose HPV vaccine (SD-HPV Vac). This milestone aims to transform how girls are vaccinated against cervical cancer, particularly in regions with limited access to healthcare. Here are the key points:

New Single-Dose HPV Vaccine

The WHO has prequalified a fourth HPV vaccine product, Cecolin®, for use in a single-dose schedule. This decision is based on new data that meets the criteria set out in the WHO’s 2022 recommendations for alternative, off-label use of HPV vaccines in single-dose schedules.

Impact on Supply and Accessibility

The addition of this HPV vaccine will help address the ongoing global supply challenges for HPV vaccines, which have been hampered by shortages since 2018. This will enable more girls to be vaccinated against cervical cancer, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Global Strategy for Cervical Cancer Elimination

The WHO aims to have 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15 as part of its global strategy for cervical cancer elimination. The single-dose HPV vaccine is expected to facilitate achieving this target.

Public Health Benefits

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, with over 95% of the 660,000 annual cases globally caused by HPV. Every two minutes, a woman dies from cervical cancer, with 90% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. The new SD-HPV Vac will help reduce these alarming statistics.

Funding and Commitments

There has been significant funding committed towards the elimination of cervical cancer. This includes nearly US$ 600 million from various partners, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (US$ 180 million), UNICEF (US$ 10 million), and the World Bank (US$ 400 million).

Implementation and Coverage

As of September 10, 2024, 57 countries are implementing the HPV vaccine schedule, up from 37 countries in 2023. The adoption of the SD-HPV Vac schedule has resulted in at least 6 million additional girls being reached with HPV vaccines in 2023.

Technical and Regulatory Aspects

The single-dose use indication for Cecolin® is included in the second edition of WHO’s technical document on considerations for HPV vaccine product choice. Public health advisory bodies can recommend “off-label” use of vaccines when supported by data and clear public health benefits, until manufacturers update their labels.

Overall, the introduction of the SD-HPV Vac marks a significant step forward in the global effort to eliminate cervical cancer, enhancing vaccine accessibility and addressing supply challenges effectively.

Reference url

Recent Posts

Enhertu reimbursement analysis
                 

Enhertu Reimbursement Analysis: Navigating Cost-Effectiveness Challenges

💡 How do we balance groundbreaking cancer treatments with budget realities?

The recent analysis by the Dutch Healthcare Institute on Enhertu shines a light on the complexities of integrating innovative therapies for HER2-low metastatic breast cancer into national insurance packages. While the clinical efficacy is evident, the substantial cost implications and demand for steep price reductions bring significant challenges to market access.

Explore the nuances of this vital discussion on clinical effectiveness, economic evaluation, and the future of pricing strategies in oncology.

#SyenzaNews #HealthEconomics #MarketAccess

drug price comparison
 

Global Drug Price Gaps Demand Better Drug Pricing Analysis

💊 International drug price comparison reveal stark price gaps—the U.S. pays 4.2 times more for brand-name drugs than OECD peers.

But are these studies fueling a market collapse or opening a strategic opportunity for sustainable pricing in the U.S. and globally?

Discover the shortcomings of international pricing comparisons and how robust drug pricing analysis can help balance access, affordability, and profitability in a complex market.

#SyenzaNews #healthcare #pricing

NICE HealthTech Reforms
            

NICE HealthTech Reforms: Accelerating Digital Innovation in NHS and Global Healthcare Systems

🌐 Are you ready to witness a paradigm shift in digital health technology?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has announced transformative reforms aimed at accelerating the adoption of digital health innovations within the NHS. By focusing on cost-effectiveness rather than mere cost savings, these changes promise to streamline regulatory processes and enhance evaluations aligned with healthcare priorities.

Dive into this insightful article to explore how NICE’s reforms could reshape the future of healthcare systems globally!

#SyenzaNews #DigitalHealth #HealthEconomics #Innovation

When you partner with Syenza, it’s like a Nuclear Fusion.

Our expertise are combined with yours, and we contribute clinical expertise and advanced degrees in health policy, health economics, systems analysis, public finance, business, and project management. You’ll also feel our high-impact global and local perspectives with cultural intelligence.

SPEAK WITH US

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

1950 W. Corporate Way, Suite 95478
Anaheim, CA 92801, USA

© 2025 Syenza™. All rights reserved.