Preventing HPV and Eliminating Cervical Cancer in the Americas

The article from CSIS discusses the prevalence of cervical cancer, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, due to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. It highlights the availability of HPV vaccines and challenges in ensuring widespread access, such as cost and awareness issues. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recommends a one-dose regimen to improve vaccination rates. Efforts are being made internationally to eliminate cervical cancer, including vaccination, screening, and treatment programs. Challenges in screening, such as limited sensitivity of Pap smears, are also addressed. The importance of education and community engagement in promoting vaccination and screening is emphasized. Various initiatives, meetings, and alliances are mentioned as part of global efforts to combat cervical cancer, including the Cervical Cancer Elimination Forum and the Global HPV Consortium. The article concludes with the importance of integrating HPV vaccination and screening into routine healthcare services, especially for adolescents, and highlights upcoming international events where these issues will be addressed. Read more here.