Under the Microscope (UtM)’s Post

Today, on Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, I want to take a moment to reflect on an issue that affects millions of women in Pakistan—cervical cancer. With over 73 million women at risk, and 3,197 women dying from this preventable disease every year, it’s time for all of us to come together and take action. At Jhpiego, we've been working alongside the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI), Ministry of Health, Gavi and WHO to create a roadmap for the prevention of cervical cancer in Pakistan. This includes the introduction of the HPV vaccine, which has the potential to save thousands of lives and prevent future suffering. The journey to introducing the HPV vaccine isn’t just about delivering a vaccine—it's about changing attitudes, building awareness, and breaking down barriers. In Pakistan, where cervical cancer ranks as the third most common cancer among women, it’s essential that we build community trust, ensure gender-sensitive approaches, and ensure equal access to health services, especially in remote and underserved areas. As we mark Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, I urge all of us—whether you're a policymaker, healthcare worker, community leader, or citizen—to play a role in this movement. We have the tools, the knowledge, and the opportunity to protect future generations of women from this preventable disease. Together, we can make cervical cancer elimination a reality in Pakistan. Let’s be the change we want to see. In the video below you will hear it from Dr. Saima Zubair, HPV Technical Working Group member, as she shares her stance from the frontline. #CervicalCancerEliminationDayofAction2024 #HPVVaccine #Jhpiego #CervicalCancerPrevention #Pakistan #WomenHealth #PublicHealth #Immunization #GenderEquality #HealthForAll #CervicalCancerAwareness

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), for the first time, eliminating a specific set of cancers is within reach. This is achievable through a combination of vaccination against a common virus, early diagnosis of precancerous or cancerous lesions during routine checkups, and timely treatment for those diagnosed. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is commonly associated with warts, but specific serotypes of HPV are linked to cancers typically spread through intimate or sexual contact. In women, these include cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. In men, HPV is associated with penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. Preventing these cancers is possible by vaccinating adolescent girls and boys aged 9 to 14 against the high-risk serotypes of HPV. Individuals aged 15 to 45 can also benefit from the vaccine, though its effectiveness may be reduced if prior exposure to the covered serotypes has occurred. As the G20 Brasil 2024 meeting begins, the eradication of HPV-associated cancers is a critical topic, with discussions focusing on achieving this goal in the coming years. Real-world studies have already demonstrated the dramatic benefits of HPV vaccination, showing lower cancer rates among vaccinated individuals compared to unvaccinated, age- and risk-matched groups. Vaccines save lives by preventing infections, some of which are directly linked to cancer development. #HPV #Cancer #Vaccine #VaccinesSaveLives #WHO #G20 #CancerPrevention

🌍 How is South Africa leading the charge against cervical cancer? Since launching its HPV vaccination program, the country has made remarkable strides in protecting future generations. With impressive coverage rates and a focus on at-risk populations, South Africa serves as a global model for effective public health strategies. Discover how this initiative not only combats cervical cancer but also addresses broader health concerns. #SyenzaNews #HealthTech #GlobalHealth #HealthcareInnovation #CervicalCancer #HPVVaccination https://lnkd.in/d6J6tQCn

As a part of #PROTECTEUROPE, we at ThinkYoung work on research about HPV vaccination to better understand young people's attitudes towards vaccination across different countries in Europe. 🌍 HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a common virus that can cause cervical, anal, penile, vaginal, vulval, and oropharyngeal cancers. The research aims to understand how public health authorities, healthcare professionals, and policymakers can apply lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, while also boost vaccine equity and uptake and tackle vaccine hesitancy. 🔎Find out what our Key HPV Vaccination findings were in this research carried out in 2022! Learn more on protect-europe.org!🌿 In collaboration with European Cancer Organisation.

✨ Innovation and Prevention for Public Health ✨ I am excited to share with you the PERCH project, a European initiative that brings together 18 countries and 34 partner organizations to contribute to the implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. 💙🎗 PERCH aligns with the World Health Organization (WHO) “90-70-90” strategy, aiming to achieve at least 90% HPV vaccination coverage among girls – and potentially boys – by the age of 15 years. 🔎 Project objectives: ✅ Enhance the capacity of Member States to plan and implement HPV vaccination campaigns by sharing knowledge and experience. ✅ Improve data collection and monitoring systems for HPV vaccination and screening. ✅ Increase awareness and knowledge about HPV-related diseases and prevention, particularly among adolescents (both girls and boys). ✅ Strengthen healthcare professionals’ skills in communicating about HPV vaccines. With a multidisciplinary team and international collaborations, PERCH aims to transform cancer prevention in Europe, making vaccination strategies more effective and accessible. 🔗 Find out more about the project here: https://lnkd.in/dThp4GXv #PERCHProject #HPVPrevention #PublicHealth #EuropeBeatingCancerPlan #HPVVaccination #Innovation #EuropeanResearch

We are at a pivotal moment in public health in Katsina State, where a significant initiative is underway to eliminate cervical cancer through widespread HPV vaccination. Our target? The 1.75 million female children aged 9-14 years residing across our 361 wards and 34 Local Government Areas. This is more than a public health campaign; it's a community mission to ensure a future where cervical cancer is no longer a threat to our young women. The acceptance and widespread administration of the HPV vaccine are critical in achieving this goal. Thanks to the robust support from GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, along with the invaluable contributions of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) at the national level and the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA) at the state level, we are equipped to drive this vital health initiative forward. Collaboration is key, and the engagement from our state government, health ministries, and local agencies exemplifies the collective effort required to make significant health advancements. We are committed to ensuring that every eligible girl in Katsina has access to the HPV vaccine because their health is the cornerstone of our state’s future. Together, we can transform the health landscape of Katsina State and set a benchmark for cervical cancer prevention. #HPVVaccine #PublicHealth #CervicalCancerPrevention #KatsinaState #GAVI

Every year, 12,075 Nigerian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 7,968 lose their lives to this preventable disease. Cervical cancer ranks as the second most frequent cancer among women in Nigeria, with 66.9% of cases caused by HPV types 16 and 18. (HPV Information Center, 2023) Despite being preventable, access to the HPV vaccine—a critical tool for cervical cancer elimination—is hindered by barriers such as funding gaps, limited awareness, and systemic challenges. With funding from Cancer Research UK (CRUK), SCIDaR is supporting the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to implement the HPV Policy and Advocacy Research Project. This initiative aims to generate actionable insights that will guide the integration of the HPV vaccine into routine immunization programs and also engage political stakeholders to secure sustainable funding to ensure vaccine availability for every eligible girl in Nigeria. Through this collaboration, we are paving the way for increased vaccine access, dispelling myths, and empowering communities with culturally sensitive and accurate information. Take action to protect yourself and loved ones: Get screened: Cervical cancer screening is recommended starting at age 30 and should be done regularly. Get vaccinated: The HPV vaccine is most effective when administered in 1–2 doses between the ages of 9–14. Together, we can eliminate cervical cancer. #CervicalCancer #CervicalCancerElimination #CancerAwareness #HPVVaccine #SCIDaRImpact

Effective, low-cost interventions to prevent and treat cervical cancer are available today, but far too many women in low-resource settings lack access to these lifesaving tools. TogetHER for Health has published its annual analysis of funding for cervical cancer prevention in low-income countries and lower middle-income countries, summarizing investments in HPV immunization and cervical cancer screening.📋 https://ow.ly/PavO50Ukb7E

Cervical #cancer, despite being one of the most preventable forms of cancer, remains the fourth most common cancer impacting #women, globally. The highest incidence and mortality rates are concentrated in low-and middle-income countries, where access to #prevention and #treatment continues to be a challenge. However, in #India, the situation is rapidly improving, with #government efforts pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. One of the most powerful tools in this fight is the #HPV #vaccine, which can prevent over 70% of cervical cancer cases. India is making tremendous progress by promoting vaccination through the inclusion of HPV vaccination in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), ensuring that millions of girls gain access to this #life-saving intervention. This effort is also aligned with the WHO's 90-70-90 strategy, aimed at accelerating vaccination, screening, and treatment to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern. We recognize the #power of meaningful partnerships in accelerating progress and building on this momentum, Swasti has recently joined the Cervical Cancer Elimination Consortium - India (CCEC-I). This collective platform focuses on Screening, Access, Vaccination, and Education (SAVE) strategies to eliminate cervical cancer in India. By collaborating with CCEC-I and its members, Swasti aims to contribute to generating #evidence, championing #policy engagement, and improving access to cervical cancer screening and vaccination, particularly for underserved #communities. This #partnership enables us to further build on our commitment to strengthening community-based healthcare, #capacitybuilding, and health systems. With sharing and exchanging learnings, we will amplify our work of breaking down barriers to HPV screening and vaccination for vulnerable populations, ensuring that no one is left behind. Swasti is also a member of The Global HPV Consortium, which expands our ability to collaborate globally and champion comprehensive health solutions that #impact communities worldwide. We look forward to impactful collaborations with Cervical Cancer Elimination Consortium - India (CCEC-I) and the broader public health community as we work together toward eliminating cervical cancer in India. Raj Shankar Ghosh, Dr Ajay Khera Indrajit Chaudhuri Prof. Sanjay Dhir Ysha Agrawal Mridu Gupta, Angela Chaudhuri Syama B Syam Dr. Anuja Tripathi(PhD) Umashankar K Binali Suhandani

January marks #CervicalCancerAwarenessMonth, and we're kicking it off by spotlighting the incredible work of our #HAPPIConsortium partners in the effort to eliminate cervical cancer globally. 🎉   Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women, leading to over 350,000 deaths in 2022, especially in low-income countries. HAPPI is playing a key role in supporting global efforts to combat this deadly disease through #HPV vaccination, research, data collection, and collaboration across sectors to drive policy change and gender-inclusive vaccine planning.    💡 Over this month, we’ll highlight HAPPI's ongoing efforts in the following areas:     1️⃣ Translating evidence into policy and practice  2️⃣ Focusing on equitable access to HPV vaccination — prioritizing girls' and women's health  3️⃣ Providing technical support to 19 countries  4️⃣ Setting priorities for the next year    Stay tuned each week as we dive deeper into each area with stories, resources, and new content. Learn more about us: https://lnkd.in/e4YjRV-d Let’s continue working together to eliminate #cervicalcancer and protect women worldwide!     JSI, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc., International Vaccine Access Center at Johns Hopkins BSPH, Jhpiego, and PATH #CervicalCancerAwareness #HPVVaccine #GlobalHealth #EndCervicalCancer