On November 17, 2025, the first World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, the Gavi (Gavi) Vaccine Alliance announced that it had achieved ahead of schedule the target set in 2023 of vaccinating 86 million girls by the end of 2025. Established in 2000 with the goal of improving immunization rates in low-income countries through public–private cooperation, Gavi estimates that this achievement has averted 1.4 million deaths from cervical cancer over three years. It also stated that by the end of 2025, by supporting more than 50 countries, it will enable vaccine introduction in countries that account for 89% of global cervical cancer cases.

In West Africa, many campaigns have been promoting vaccination. In Liberia , a nationwide five-day campaign starting November 17 targeted girls aged 9 to 18, including older girls who had previously missed vaccination, and more than 660,000 received the vaccine. Furthermore, in Sierra Leone, more than 1 million people were vaccinated in mid-November.

Every year, about 350,000 women worldwide die from cervical cancer. Cervical cancer, which is primarily caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), occurs most frequently in low-income countries where screening and treatment are less equitably accessible, and in nearly half of sub-Saharan African countries it is the leading cause of cancer death among women. Although life-threatening, it can be effectively prevented with the HPV vaccine.

While the HPV vaccine has traditionally been recommended as a two-dose schedule, a study suggests that a single dose may provide sufficient protection. In addition, HPV infection rates are higher in men than in women and it is transmitted through sexual activity. Therefore, having not only women but also men vaccinated against HPV is effective for eliminating cervical cancer and may also prevent HPV-related anal, penile, and oral cancers.

Learn more about global health issues ⇒ “Roundup: Global health and medical issues”

Learn more about infectious diseases ⇒ “Tuberculosis: The world’s deadliest infectious disease”