Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, says its three-year campaign to expand access to the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in low-income countries has prevented an estimated 1.4 million cervical cancer deaths.
In a statement marking World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, the organisation said that 86 million girls are now protected against HPV—the leading cause of cervical cancer—following a coordinated effort between Gavi and participating lower-income nations.
HPV-related cervical cancer disproportionately affects poorer countries, where screening and treatment services are limited. According to Gavi, these nations accounted for 90 percent of the 350,000 cervical cancer deaths recorded globally in 2022.
Gavi’s Chief Executive Officer, Sania Nishtar, praised the “incredible commitment” of governments and partner organisations, noting that the campaign succeeded in reaching its target of vaccinating 86 million girls.
The alliance reported a significant rise in vaccine coverage across Africa, increasing from four percent in 2014 to 44 percent by the end of 2024—surpassing Europe, which recorded 38 percent coverage.
Gavi attributed its success in expanding access to economies of scale that made vaccines more affordable for about 50 lower-income countries. The organisation secured agreements with manufacturers to lower prices, bringing the cost per dose in Gavi-supported countries to between $2.90 and $5.18, compared with more than $100 elsewhere.
“This collaborative effort is driving major global progress towards eliminating one of the deadliest diseases affecting women,” Nishtar said, while noting that cervical cancer still claims a woman’s life every two minutes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) approved a shift from a two-dose to a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule in 2022, a move that has allowed existing supplies to reach twice as many girls.
