Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Each year cervical cancer kills 275,000 women worldwide, mostly in developing countries. There are two vaccines against the major cancer causing strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), the infectious cause of cervical cancer. When given to girls prior to sexual debut, the vaccines are more than 92 percent effective in preventing persistent HPV infection and 100 percent effective in preventing vaccine type-specific cervical lesions (precancer). For women already infected with persistent HPV, when cervical precancer is detected early, treatment success rates are high.
More about HPV | View resources on HPV
Key resources
Progress in Cervical Cancer Prevention: The CCA Report Card (2012)
A report that assesses global readiness to fight cervical cancer, which is usually caused by HPV, using new approaches and new technologies, especially in regions where the disease is a common killer.
Acceptance Patterns and Decision-Making for Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Parents in Vietnam: An In-Depth Qualitative Study Post-Vaccination (2012)
An article that presents qualitative research on parents’ rationales for vaccinating or not vaccinating their daughters in the context of an HPV vaccination demonstration project.
Featured PATH resources
HPV Vaccination in Africa: Lessons Learned From a Pilot Program in Uganda (2011)
A report that summarizes a vaccination program implemented in Uganda aimed at identifying the most effective strategies for HPV vaccination of young adolescent girls.
Implementing HPV Vaccination Programs: Practical Experience from PATH (2011)
A report that offers experience-based practical information to countries that plan to pilot, expand, or scale-up HPV vaccination programs.
Page last updated: November 2012.
