Cervical cancer, which is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), is estimated to have been responsible for almost 260,000 deaths in 2005. Eighty percent of these deaths occurred in developing countries. Fortunately, in 2006 a vaccine that protects against HPV was licensed. This document provides key technical information for policy-makers and health professionals on HPV, HPV-related diseases, and HPV vaccines. A separate booklet, Cervical Cancer, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and HPV Vaccines: Key Points for Policy-Makers and Health Professionals, further updates and summarizes this document.

Author(s): World Health Organization

Published: 2007

Resource types: Report

Diseases: Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Topics: Disease burden and surveillance; Vaccine safety; Disease/vaccine specific information

Regions: Global