Improving Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination Rates in Developing Economies

This study explores the disease epidemiology attributable to human papilloma virus (HPV), the success of school-based HPV vaccination programs, the benefits of high HPV vaccination rates, and the applicability to low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) in Latin America. New HPV vaccination programs that satisfy the World Health Organization (WHO) vaccination program requirements and optimal use of existing HPV vaccination provision mechanisms in LMIC are also presented. Globally, 610,000 (4.8%) of the estimated 12.7 million cancers annually are attributed to HPV, of which almost 85% in LMIC. Cervical cancer prevention can reduce female years of life lost by 7.8 million. School-based HPV vaccination programs have higher three-dose vaccination rates such as in Australia (79%), than non-school based vaccination rates, as in Belgium (29%) and the United States (32%).  School-based vaccination programs are cost effective, deserving expansion. Due to health infrastructure deficiencies in LMIC, school-based vaccination programs are essential to vaccinate children, and ultimately improve women’s health. Three-dose HPV vaccination in LMIC schools results in year of life saved (YLS) or incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per quality-adjusted-life-year (QALY) for less than the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), satisfying the WHO vaccination program requirements. Sustainable HPV vaccination campaigns require media campaigns including Internet components for health care providers, parents, and students. Campaigns cosponsored by Ministries of Health and Education will increase national HPV vaccination awareness; expand resources availability for programmatic development; and increase program acceptance and utilization in school-based programs.