Global HPV Vaccine Drive Prevents 1.4 Million Cervical Cancer Deaths, Gavi Reports

A major global vaccination push has helped prevent 1.4 million future deaths from cervical cancer in just three years, according to the Vaccine Alliance, Gavi.

Gavi — a global health partnership that helps lower-income countries access life-saving vaccines at affordable prices — said that its focused effort with nearly 50 low-income nations has now protected 86 million girls against human papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer.


The alliance provides financial support, technology, and vaccine procurement mechanisms to ensure that poorer nations are not left behind in immunisation coverage.

Massive Impact in Low-Income Countries

HPV-related cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable yet deadly diseases for women, especially in countries where screening and treatment services are limited.


According to Gavi, 90% of the 350,000 cervical cancer deaths recorded in 2022 occurred in low-income countries.

Gavi CEO Sania Nishtar credited the “incredible commitment” of governments, health workers, and global partners for achieving the milestone and moving the world closer to eliminating cervical cancer.

Rapid Growth in Vaccine Coverage

Across Africa, HPV vaccine coverage has jumped dramatically — from just 4% of girls in 2014 to 44% by the end of 2024 — surpassing even Europe, where coverage stands at 38%.

This progress was possible because Gavi used large-scale purchasing power to negotiate significantly lower vaccine prices.
Today, HPV vaccines in Gavi-supported countries cost between $2.90 and $5.18 per dose, compared to $100 or more in wealthier nations.

A Step Toward Eliminating a Major Killer

Gavi emphasised that the global effort is transforming the fight against cervical cancer, which currently kills one woman every two minutes worldwide.

A breakthrough policy by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2022 — officially endorsing a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule instead of two doses — has doubled the number of girls who can be vaccinated using existing supplies.

"Together, we are driving major global progress toward eliminating one of the deadliest diseases affecting women," Nishtar said, while stressing that continued investment and political will remain essential.