In order to fight against Cervical cancer, WHO publishes new recommendations to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, especially in poor countries.
This sexually transmitted infection is linked in 99% of cases to cervical cancer.
The WHO now recommends two injections, instead of three, of the HPV vaccine. Vaccination is recommended by the WHO for girls aged 9 to 13, which is earlier than in France where health authorities recommend it for all girls aged 11 to 14.
The passage from three to two injections does not in any way reduce the effectiveness of the protection, ensures the WHO. It is simply a guarantee of better accessibility of vaccines to the most vulnerable populations in poor countries. “The combination of more effective and accessible tools to prevent and treat cervical cancer will help reduce the cost of health care, especially in low-income countries,” Nathalie Broutet told AFP. , epidemiologist at the WHO.
Another recommendation expressed at the World Cancer Congress in Melbourne is HPV screening. Again, testing requirements are lowered from five to two years. In other words, a screening test every five years is sufficient, if the previous one is negative.
Insufficient vaccination coverage in France
Cancer of the cervix causes nearly 1,000 deaths per year. HPV vaccination is the best way to prevent it with smear screening. Problem, the interest of young women in the vaccine is down in recent years, according to the National Institute for Public Health Surveillance. In 2011, out of the cohort of 15-17 year old girls affected by the vaccine, only 30% had received three doses of the vaccine.
>> To read also:Papillomavirus: everything we don’t really know about HPV
