WHO approves two new HPV vaccines, boosting global fight against cervical cancer
KARACHI: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has taken another step forward in the fight against cervical cancer by approving two new human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, Cecolin and Walrivax, for global marketing. This brings the total number of approved vaccines to five, increasing access to life-saving medications for girls in low- and middle-income countries. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasises that cervical cancer can be eliminated, and these new vaccine approvals bring us closer to achieving that goal. Dr Kate O'Brien, Director of the Department of Immunisation, Vaccines and Biologicals at WHO, notes that the addition of Cecoline, a single-dose vaccine, will give countries more options to reach more girls. However, challenges remain, including global supply shortages since 2018 and recent production challenges that have hindered HPV vaccine introductions, potentially affecting millions of girls in Africa and Asia. The WHO urges continued efforts to...