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In a new video, Dr Partha Basu, Head of the Early Detection, Prevention, and Infections Branch at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), describes how we can eradicate human papillomavirus (HPV), in the same way that smallpox was eradicated, and eliminate cervical cancer.
Persistent infection with HPV is the cause of almost all cases of cervical cancer, as well as some cases of other cancer types. Research by IARC and partners has shown that a single dose of vaccine against HPV is enough to protect young girls from persistent HPV infection. Many countries, including low- and middle-income countries, have shown that high vaccination coverage can be achieved.
The resources saved by adopting a single-dose strategy against HPV, along with pragmatic programme planning, stakeholder engagement, and determination, can help to eliminate cervical cancer.
