A Review of the Implementation Status of and National Plans on HPV Vaccination in 17 Middle-Income Countries of the WHO Western Pacific Region

Abstract

The World Health Organization’s Western Pacific Region is responsible for one-fourth of the global cervical cancer burden, and nearly 90% of that burden is concentrated in middle-income countries (MICs). Applying a conceptual model of implementation of population-based interventions, we synthesized the current implementation status of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and national plans that form the basis of its implementation in 17 MICs. We gathered information from a range of governmental documents, published studies, and global databases. For all available national cancer-related plans and immunization plans, we examined the description of HPV vaccination. We found that, as of July 2021, only four countries (24%) had a mature HPV vaccination program with a high first-dose coverage; three (18%) had introduced HPV vaccination, but needed further efforts to scale it up, seven (41%) had not been able to introduce it after conducting demonstration projects, and three (18%) did not have any experience in HPV vaccination. In the national plans, most of the countries recognized the importance of HPV vaccination, but only 10 (59%) provided an implementation strategy on how it would be introduced or scaled up. Countries with a mature program were more likely to have their implementation strategy detailed in their national cancer control plan. Successful implementation of HPV vaccination requires overcoming known challenges and having a clear national plan. Positioning HPV vaccination clearly in the overall national cancer control plan may be key to accelerating its nationwide implementation.

Knowledge and practice for cervical cancer among female primary school teachers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia: A cross-sectional phone-based survey

“…Although the knowledge and understanding of the target women are essential to encourage them to undergo cervical cancer screening, there is limited information regarding knowledge and practice concerning cervical cancer among women in Cambodia (10,18,19). Since HPV vaccination is planned to be introduced as a routine immunization to 9-year-old girls in primary schools in 2023, primary school teachers are considered key influencers to school children and their parents who make a decision for vaccination (20). Promoting the understanding of cervical cancer among primary school teachers is indispensable to increase the acceptance and uptake of the vaccine by children and their parents.…”

Knowledge, Behaviours and Affecting Factors About Human Papilloma Virus and Vaccination Among University Students

“…Although early intercourse is an HPV risk factor, HPV testing and vaccination should be aggressively advocated among international students to avoid new and hazardous contaminations. (Haruyama et al, 2021).…”

Breast and cervical cancer screening in the Philippines: Challenges and steps forward

“…In 2016, the Philippines introduced a school-based HPV vaccination program for schoolgirls aged 9–14. However, with less than 60% of Philippine provinces covered and with fewer than one in ten girls in the primary target cohort in 2020 receiving their final dose, its reach is currently subnational ( Haruyama et al, 2021 , World Health Organization, 2021 ), likely further impeded by the COVID-19 pandemic-related shift to online schooling.…”