The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on October 4, 2024, the approval of Cecolin®, a fourth prequalified human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for use in a single-dose schedule. This decision is based on new data aligning with WHO's 2022 recommendations, aimed at improving the sustainable supply of HPV vaccines and increasing vaccination rates among girls, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the potential to eliminate cervical cancer, stating, "By adding another option for a one-dose HPV vaccination schedule, we have taken another step closer to consigning cervical cancer to history." Cervical cancer, primarily caused by HPV, accounts for over 660,000 cases globally each year, with 90% of deaths occurring in low-income regions.
Since 2018, HPV vaccine introductions have faced significant global supply shortages. The new single-dose option is expected to enhance access, with WHO estimating that 57 countries have adopted this schedule, reaching an additional 6 million girls in 2023 alone. The initiative is supported by nearly US$ 600 million in new funding from various organizations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the World Bank, aimed at eliminating cervical cancer by 2030.
Additionally, on August 2, 2024, the WHO prequalified a fifth HPV vaccine, Walrinvax®, which will further support the global supply of HPV vaccines.