A comprehensive narrative review of challenges and facilitators in the implementation of various HPV vaccination program worldwide

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer has been considered as one of the most common cancers in women (15-44 years) globally, but the advent of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine has raised the anticipation that eradication of cervical carcinoma might be achieved in the near future as several prophylactic cervical carcinoma vaccines have already been currently licensed in various countries. Countries should devise strategies, practices and policies to attain and sustain higher levels of HPV immunization coverage as still 68% countries have introduced HPV vaccine in their national immunization programs even after 17 years following the licensure of the first prophylactic HPV vaccine.

Methodology: A comprehensive literature analysis was conducted using various databases and search engines, to include the most relevant research articles and data available and critically discussed the operational gaps that need to be answered to achieve adequate coverage of HPV vaccination.

Results: The present review highlights the existing HPV vaccination strategies, unmet needs and challenges needed to be addressed for proper implementation framework as well as the collaborations required to achieve decent vaccination coverage. Well-coordinated vaccination strategy with focus on adolescent girls and if possible, boys can lead to dramatic impact on disease reduction around the world.

Keywords: Cervarix; Gardasil; cervical cancer; human papilloma virus; vaccination.

FIGURE 1

Search strategies for studies included in the review.

FIGURE 2

Human papilloma virus vaccination coverage in countries through various vaccine delivery strategies, as per WHO (Data are available for 108 countries implementing the program).

FIGURE 3

Facilitators and challenges of vaccination delivery strategies observed from various countries.