Commentary: China Can Help Achieve a Cervical Cancer-Free Future for Girls and Women 

Women’s reproductive health issues are frequently neglected, leading to severe outcomes such as cervical cancer, which affects one in four women globally and causes more than 340,000 deaths each year. Cervical cancer is primarily caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and is known as a “silent killer” since symptoms often appear only after the disease has progressed to an advanced stage, making early detection and intervention critical. Prevention, screening, and early treatment are essential strategies for saving lives.[para. 1]

UNICEF and UNFPA have expressed strong support for China’s recent decision to incorporate the HPV vaccine, which can prevent cervical cancer, into its National Immunization Programme.[para. 2]

China has a significant burden of cervical cancer, accounting for 23% of global cases and 16% of deaths. By offering HPV vaccination to all girls aged 9 to 14, China is making strides in protecting the health of its women, while also advancing international goals, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on health and gender equality, and supporting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global strategy for eliminating cervical cancer.[para. 3]

The WHO’s global strategy for cervical cancer sets ambitious targets for 2030: vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV by age 15, screening 70% of women by ages 35 and 45, and ensuring 90% of those diagnosed receive treatment. China’s adoption of the HPV vaccine will be instrumental in making progress toward the first goal, which is both cost-effective and impactful in preventing and eventually eliminating cervical cancer.[para. 4]

The new policy in China is expected to increase vaccination equity. Previously, coverage rates varied considerably depending on region and economic conditions, with less developed areas falling behind. The nationwide immunization effort ensures that all girls, regardless of their geographic location or family income, will have equal access to the HPV vaccine and protection against cervical cancer.[para. 5]

China’s policy shift may also influence the vaccine industry by stimulating market competition and production, which could lead to greater availability and affordability of HPV vaccines, both domestically and potentially in other countries as well.[para. 6]

Despite the existence of six licensed HPV vaccines globally, access remains highly uneven. Low- and middle-income countries, which bear 90% of cervical cancer cases and deaths, often cannot afford to vaccinate the entire target population at existing prices.[para. 7]

To fully realize the benefits of China’s decision, coordinated efforts are necessary in several areas: (1) ensuring every girl, including those in underserved regions, receives the vaccine; (2) promoting cross-sector collaboration between health and education through measures like school-based delivery; (3) empowering girls to be health advocates and involving them in health decision-making; (4) using HPV vaccination as a catalyst for broader adolescent health and empowerment initiatives; and (5) generating evidence through monitoring and research to guide policy and inform best practices, which can be shared internationally, especially among countries in the Global South.[para. 8][para. 9][para. 10][para. 11][para. 12]

UNICEF and UNFPA envision a world where every girl and woman can realize her right to health and well-being, and China’s HPV policy moves this vision closer to reality. The HPV vaccine is not only a protective health measure—it is an investment in equality, development, and the potential of girls and women to thrive.[para. 13][para. 14]

The article is jointly authored by Amakobe Sande (UNICEF) and Nadia Rasheed (UNFPA) and does not necessarily reflect the views of Caixin Media.[para. 15][para. 16]