The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the fourth-generation human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Cecolin, for single-dose use. This decision is based on new data that meets WHO’s 2022 criteria for single-dose schedules.
According to Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, cervical cancer can be eliminated, and with this new single-dose vaccine, we’re one step closer to making that a reality.
The WHO reports that over 95% of global cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV, with a woman dying every two minutes, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. Africa is disproportionately affected, with 19 of the 20 hardest-hit countries located there.
Administration of the HPV Vaccine
Dr. Kate O’Brien, Director of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals at WHO, said the goal is to have 90% of girls under 15 fully vaccinated. The approval of Cecolin provides more options for countries to reach this goal despite ongoing supply constraints.
The one-dose HPV vaccine coverage among girls aged 9-14 increased from 20% in 2022 to 27% in 2023. Currently, 57 countries are implementing the single-dose schedule. WHO estimates that the single-dose schedule adoption has resulted in at least 6 million additional girls being covered with HPV vaccines in 2023.
Recently, countries and partners committed nearly $600 million in new funding towards the elimination of cervical cancer, including $180 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, $10 million from UNICEF, and $400 million from the World Bank. These investments aim to accelerate HPV vaccine introductions and boost coverage among girls by 2030.
