China taking measures to end cervical cancer among women and girls

Far too often, women's reproductive health issues go undiagnosed and untreated. Globally, cervical cancer accounts for about one in four cancers among women, killing more than 340,000 women each year. Cervical cancer, mostly caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), is a silent killer. Symptoms may take years to develop, by which time it is often too late to treat. Prevention, screening and early treatment are therefore vital to save lives.

This is why the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) warmly welcome China's decision to include the HPV vaccine, which prevents cervical cancer, in its National Immunization Program.

China accounts for 23 percent of cases and 16 percent of deaths from cervical cancer worldwide. By expanding HPV vaccination to all girls aged between 9 and 14, China is not only protecting women's health in the country but also advancing global progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals on health and gender equality and the World Health Organization's global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer.

The WHO's global strategy sets clear targets for 2030. These include getting 90 percent of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by the age of 15, 70 percent of women screened by ages 35 and 45, and 90 percent of women identified with cervical cancer receiving treatment. The introduction of the HPV vaccine in China will help achieve the first part of this strategy, which is also the most cost-effective way of preventing and eventually eliminating cervical cancer.

There are also wider implications for China. By expanding vaccination coverage, the policy is expected to not only deliver stronger preventive outcomes but also promote greater health equity across the country. Previously, HPV vaccination rates varied by region and economic status, with lower coverage in economically less-developed areas. The new policy will ensure that all eligible girls — regardless of where they live or their family's financial situation — have equal access to protection against cervical cancer.

The policy also has implications for the vaccine industry. It is likely to increase both the availability and affordability of HPV vaccines in China and potentially abroad, by incentivizing companies to compete and produce inexpensive vaccines.

Currently, six HPV vaccines are licensed worldwide, yet access remains uneven, especially in low- and middle-income countries, which account for 90 percent of global cervical cancer cases and deaths. These countries may not be able to afford the expanded use of this vaccine for the entire target population at the current prices.

Realizing the full potential of this decision will require coordinated action on multiple fronts. Here are five key areas where targeted efforts can amplify impact. First, reaching every girl. Each child, whether she lives in a bustling city or a remote village, deserves equal protection. Special attention and resources must be directed toward underserved regions. This includes strengthening delivery systems to close the gap between rural and urban areas.

Second, collaboration across sectors like health and education. UNICEF's global HPV Plus Initiative has shown that school-based vaccine delivery, linked with community outreach and integration with adolescent health services, can boost coverage and reduce missed opportunities. Engaging parents, teachers and community leaders helps build trust, understanding and confidence in the vaccine.

Third, empowering girls as health advocates. Girls should not just receive services but also help shape them. The UNFPA's experience in supporting youth networks and peer education shows that when girls are equipped with accurate information and encouraged to share their perspectives, they become powerful champions for their own health. HPV vaccination can serve as an entry point for important conversations on puberty, menstrual health, as well as sexual and reproductive health.

Fourth, leveraging HPV vaccination for holistic adolescent health and empowerment, including through integration of services. By linking HPV vaccination with sexual and reproductive health education, mental health support and protection from violence, we can move beyond disease prevention to building healthy, resilient lives for girls and boys.

And fifth, generating evidence to inform policy and practice. Monitoring vaccine coverage, evaluating outcomes and analyzing trends in cervical cancer incidence can provide critical insights, to guide future policy decisions and improve program delivery. These lessons can also be shared with other countries through South-South cooperation, helping to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer around the world.

UNICEF and UNFPA share a vision of a world where every girl and woman can realize her right to health and well-being. China's decision to include HPV vaccination in its National Immunization Program brings that vision closer to reality, offering an opportunity to protect millions of girls from cervical cancer and advance health equity nationwide.

The impact of HPV vaccination goes far beyond disease prevention. Good health gives girls the freedom to learn, grow and thrive. This is not just about a vaccine; it's an investment in health, equality and shared prosperity. Done well, it can be a bold step that protects girls and women's health, and unlocks their potential to learn, grow, and pursue the future they desire for themselves.

Amakobe Sande is UNICEF representative to China; and Nadia Rasheed is UNFPA representative to China.

The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

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