Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomaviruses are common throughout the world. Although most infections with HPV cause no symptoms, persistent genital HPV infection can cause cervical cancer in women. HPV can also cause other types of anogenital cancer, head and neck cancers, and genital warts, in both men and women. HPV are transmitted through sexual contact. HPV are estimated to cause about half a million cases of cervical cancer every year, and are the leading cause of death from cancer for women in the developing world.

For many years, the main way to prevent cervical cancer has been through screening programmes. Unfortunately, these have not been successfully implemented in most low-resource settings.

There are two HPV vaccines now being marketed in many countries throughout the world. Both vaccines are highly efficacious in preventing infection with virus types 16 and 18, which are together responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases globally. They are also highly efficacious in preventing precancerous cervical lesions caused by these types. One vaccine is also highly efficacious in preventing anogenital warts, a common genital disease which is virtually always caused by infection with HPV types 6 and 11. The primary target group in most of the countries recommending HPV vaccination is young adolescent girls. Data from clinical trials and initial post-marketing surveillance conducted in several continents show both vaccines to be safe.

As of mid-2008, HPV vaccines had been recommended for use in females through the national immunization programmes of more than 15 high-income countries and at least two middle-income countries.

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Last updated: 17 August 2009