Single HPV Vaccination Can be Used for Cervical Cancer Treatment
by Naba Batool
SHARES
According to the latest study in Africa, a single-dose human papillomavirus vaccine can be effectively used in the place of a three-dose regimen for the treatment of cervical cancer.
This published research can prove to be the breakthrough treatment method that can then be used to speed up the recovery of women against this virus. Thus reducing its effectiveness at the level of population.
WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts concluded that a single-dose Human Papillomavirus(HPV) vaccine delivers solid protection against the virus that causes cervical cancer,
and it is highly effective for the prevention of HPV serotypes 16&18 which cause 70% of cervical cancer pic.twitter.com/J11YBcdJx1
— WHO OMAN (@WHOOmanOffice) April 13, 2022
The global stats of cervical cancer are drastic all around the globe with over 342,000 reported deaths due to cervical cancer. A huge number of these deaths occurred in low or middle-income countries.
HPV, particularly its types 16 and 18, reportedly accounts for 50% of the high-grade cervical cancers.
A two or three-step regimen is currently used by medical experts to vaccinate women and girls against this virus.
But there is one prominent issue in this treatment routine. A higher number of vaccinations are needed can slow down the pace of its administration to the population. This is highly apparent in countries that are economically struggling. Thus researchers have concluded that having more vaccinated people can decrease the overall spread of HPV.
Dr. Princess Nothemba, WHO assistant Director-General said that “I firmly believe the elimination of cervical cancer is possible,” says Dr. Simelela.
“In 2020 the Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative was launched to address several challenges including the inequity in vaccine access. This single-dose recommendation has the potential to take us faster to our goal of having 90% of girls vaccinated by the age of 15 by 2030.”
The evidence of a new single-dose routine for cervical cancer is not only promising but also groundbreaking. But it requires both economic and political support for its effectiveness.
Dr. Simelela said “we need political commitment complemented with equitable pathways for the accessibility of the HPV vaccine. Failure to do so is an injustice to the generation of girls and young women who may be at risk of cervical cancer.”
