Review Article
Year: 2020 | Month: April-June | Volume: 5 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 356-364
Stemming the Tide of Cervical Cancer through Human Papillomavirus Vaccinations
Adeniyi David Segun
Technical Officer – Directorate of Laboratory Services – APIN Public Health Initiatives, Jos, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
The trail of repeated bouts of HPV infections on the heel of Cervical Cancer is akin to the relationship between risky behavior and sexual activities. The causal relationship between HPV and Cervical Cancer has been consistently buttressed by overwhelming evidence from various studies all over the world. However, while the advanced nations of the world have made tremendous progress in the fight against Cervical Cancer and HPV infections, a cruel testament to the failure of governments and leaderships in taking ownership and responsibility for National Health Initiatives is attested by the high and increasing mortality rate arising from Cervical Cancer in the low- and middle-income countries. The gross disparity and inequities in healthcare services, access and outcomes has remained the stark reality of the low- and middle-income countries of the world. The low level of knowledge and misconceptions about Cervical Cancer, HPV, and the HPV vaccine are among several factors confounding the outcome of Cervical Cancers in the developing countries of the world. Cervical Cancer is preventable, and its associated morbidity, economic cost, and mortality are all avoidable only if proactive steps at mitigating infections with HPV are taken. In addition, appropriate initiatives aimed at screening and vaccinating vulnerable populations need to be duly implemented by governments and all stakeholders. Cervical Cancer can be prevented with an effective Cervical Cancer screening program, diagnosis of pre-malignant lesions and their treatment, and a well-structured HPV Vaccination Programs.
Keywords: Cervical Cancer, HPV, Vaccination, Sub-Saharan Africa, Health inequalities