New research shows first population-level evidence globally that a national HPV vaccination program can be highly effective in a high HIV-prevalence setting. In South Africa, where the burden of HIV remains high, women living with HIV face a disproportionately increased risk of cervical cancer, around six times higher than women without HIV. This heightened risk is driven by persistent infection with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). In settings where access to HPV vaccination, cervical screening and treatment is uneven, the impact on women’s health and lives is profound.
This article was originally published on MedicalXpress.com
