On Oct. 4, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that a fourth WHO-prequalified human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine product, Cecolin® had been confirmed for use in a single-dose schedule.

The decision was made based on new data on the product that fulfilled the criteria set out in the WHO’s 2022 recommendations for alternative, off-label use of HPV vaccines in single-dose schedules. This important milestone will contribute to improving sustainable supply of HPV vaccines—allowing more girls to be reached with the vaccines that prevent cervical cancer.

More than 95% of the 660 000 cervical cancer cases occurring globally each year are caused by HPV. Every two minutes, a woman dies from this preventable disease globally, and 90% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Of the 20 hardest hit countries by cervical cancer 19 are in Africa.