WHO Approves Single Dose HPV Vaccine

The World Health Organisation  (WHO) has approved Cecolin, an HPV vaccine for use in  a single dose schedule.  This was made known in a News release by the organization on Friday, October 4 2024.  According to the WHO, recent data confirmed that Cecolin meets the criteria for use as a single dose HPV vaccine, hence the decision to approve it.

What is HPV

Human Pailloma Virus (HPV) is a virus that affects varous parts of the body including the skin and  genitals. HPVs exist in different types and may cause different problems. However, HPV is mostly associated with cervical cancer. This is the major reason why it is such a top priority of the WHO.  Cervical cancer refers to abnormal and unconctrolled proliferation of cervical cells. The cervix is a connection between the womb and the birth canal.  HPV can be transmitted through sexual activity.

Cervical cancer -WHO Facts

Over 95% of cancers of the cervix are caused by HPV.

A woman dies from cervical cancer every two minutes

Majority of the deaths are recorded in Africa.

The Essence of a Single Dose HPV vaccine

The WHO aims to fully vaccinate about 90% of girls by age 15 years.  This however, has not been realisic since the introduction of varous HPV vaccines.  Most developing countries such as those in Africa cannot afford the vaccine to ensure full vaccination.  Most women might get access to only the first dose. Others might get the shot at the wrong time due to delay in vaccine procurement by the government.

Vaccines that are meant to be taken as more than one dose will only exert maximal effect if the correct doses are received at the correct interval. This means that most girls in developing countries do not get enough protection against HPV. With a single dose vaccine, the WHO would be helping governments across the world to procure vaccines.

According to the Director General of the WHO, DR. Tedros AdhanomGhebreyesus, the world has the ability to eliminate cervical cancer and its associated problems. He believes that a single dose HPV vaccine will help us achieve this effect.

Cancers usually have unexplained causes. Most cancers cannot be prevented by known vaccines or even practices. Cervical cancer is, however, very preventable.  Getting fully vaccinated can significamtly reduce the risk of cervical cancers.  The WHO wants governments and all stake holders involved.

Read more news here Understanding Breast Cancer