Title : HPV vaccination coverage in the European region
Abstract:
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is an established cause of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. This study aims to analyze the variation in coverage by HPV vaccination programs – particularly within European Region countries – and explore possible health outcomes. According to the World Health Organization’s global strategy, every country should achieve the 90–70–90 targets by 2030 to eliminate cervical cancer in the next century:
- 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine before the age of 15
- 70% of women after screening tests before the age of 35 (and again before the age of 45), and
- 90% of diagnosed women on treatment (those with precancerous changes and those with advanced course of disease)
WHO mathematical models show that implementing the abovementioned activities in the coming years may lead to a global decline of cervical cancer incidence by 42% by 2045 and 97% by 2120.
A comprehensive literature review and analysis of epidemiological data were conducted, focusing on HPV vaccination coverage rates, the implementation of vaccination programs, and their outcomes across the EU/EEA. The study examined various vaccination models, including school-based and health center-based programs, to understand their effectiveness in achieving high vaccination coverage and the associated reduction in HPV-related disease burden.
The study’s analysis identified significant variations in HPV vaccination coverage across the EU/EEA. Schoolbased vaccination programs, particularly, were highly effective in reaching the target population, achieving coverage rates significantly higher than those observed in countries relying on health center-based or mixed-model vaccination strategies.
HPV vaccination programs have played a crucial role in reducing the burden of HPV-related diseases. These programs’ success largely depends on achieving high vaccination coverage, which is more effectively realized through school-based vaccination strategies.
