“Cambodia Takes a Bold Step: Single-Dose HPV Vaccine Revolutionizes Cervical Cancer Protection”
In a groundbreaking move, Cambodia incorporated a single-dose vaccine against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) into its national immunization framework in October 2023. This initiative aims to provide Cambodian girls aged 9 years and above with cost-free protection against cervical cancer. Collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the government is executing the vaccination rollout through school and community outreach programs.
Addressing a Silent Crisis
Cervical cancer stands as the second most common cancer among women in Cambodia, where approximately 643 women lose their lives to the disease annually. Dr. Will Parks, UNICEF Representative in Cambodia, underscores the significance of the vaccine for public health, emphasizing its critical role in promoting health equity and safeguarding the well-being of all Cambodian children.
Globally, cervical cancer remains a significant public health crisis, with an estimated 570,000 cases diagnosed in 2018. While entirely preventable, the lack of medical infrastructure in lower-middle-income countries turns this infection into a deadly threat. Human Papillomavirus, transmitted during sexual intercourse, can lead to cancer in the cervix. Immunization, early detection, and palliative care are pivotal in treating this illness.
Challenges in the Global Fight
Despite the invention of the HPV vaccine two decades ago, cervical cancer continues to claim a woman’s life every two minutes globally. Only one in eight girls worldwide have received the HPV vaccine. To address this crisis, the WHO launched a global strategy aiming to vaccinate 90% of the world’s adolescent girls by 2030, potentially saving 62 million lives over the next century. However, a significant hindrance remains—the shortage in vaccine supply due to the complex manufacturing process.
Single-Shot Jabs: A Paradigm Shift
A breakthrough comes with the acceptance of single-dose schedules, providing comparable protection against cervical cancer as two and three-dose alternatives. The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) endorsed this approach in April 2022. Dr. Princess Nothemba Simelela, WHO Assistant Director-General, applauds the breakthrough for promoting equality in vaccine access and addressing supply shortages. This milestone accelerates the global goal of immunizing a generation against cervical cancer.
By integrating the single-dose HPV vaccine into its national immunization program, Cambodia joins the league of 136 nations combating the fourth common cause of cancer-related death among women. This bold step not only protects the health of Cambodian girls but also sets a precedent for global efforts in the battle against cervical cancer.**
