Across sub-Saharan Africa, 26 countries have made significant strides by introducing the HPV vaccine into their health agendas and bolstering cervical cancer screening and treatment. But this isn’t merely tackling one issue. It’s the foundation for unlocking broader health opportunities. The HPV vaccine, pivotal for young women, initiates our trajectory towards an integrated health approach encompassing SRHR, HIV prevention, menstrual hygiene, and NCDs.

In 2022, approximately 33% of girls in the region aged 9-14, received their initial HPV vaccine dose. Yet, our ambition soars higher: aiming for 90% coverage to eliminate cervical cancer effectively. We envision enhancing integrated health platforms for women to achieve this while advancing the broader women’s and girls’ health agenda. Realizing this synergistic vision demands more than awareness. It calls for decisive policies, robust health systems, sufficient funds, and keen monitoring.

This side event spotlights the HPV vaccine’s twin advantages: hastening the decline in cervical cancer fatalities and propelling more comprehensive health initiatives for women and girls. We aim to highlight the collaborative efforts of nations, partners, donors, and civil society, creating a space for insightful stakeholder discussions. With growing support for the HPV vaccine, our gaze isn’t solely on cervical cancer. We’re steering towards a comprehensive health panorama for every African woman and girl, aiming for a brighter, more wholesome future.