Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – A three-year global push to expand access to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines in low-income countries has prevented an estimated 1.4 million cervical cancer deaths, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, announced on Monday.
In a statement marking World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, Gavi said the campaign has successfully protected 86 million girls from HPV—the leading cause of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer disproportionately affects low-income countries where screening services and treatment remain limited.
According to Gavi, 90 percent of the 350,000 global cervical cancer deaths recorded in 2022 occurred in low- and middle-income countries. The alliance said the remarkable progress is the result of “incredible commitment” from governments, international organisations and manufacturers.
Across Africa, HPV vaccine coverage has risen dramatically—from just 4 percent of girls in 2014 to 44 percent at the end of 2024—surpassing Europe’s 38 percent coverage rate.
Gavi credited affordable vaccine pricing for the breakthrough, revealing that doses supplied to supported countries now cost between $2.90 and $5.18, compared with more than $100 elsewhere.
By leveraging economies of scale, Gavi secured long-term commitments from manufacturers to invest in HPV production, enabling about 50 low-income countries to access lifesaving supplies.
The alliance noted that the World Health Organization’s 2022 endorsement of a single-dose HPV schedule—instead of two doses—has made it possible to vaccinate twice as many girls using the same vaccine stock.
Despite the progress, Gavi’s CEO, Sania Nishtar, warned that cervical cancer still kills one woman every two minutes, underscoring the need for continued investment in vaccination, screening and early treatment.
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Chukwu Obinna 
