The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has unveiled an ambitious national strategy aimed at eliminating cervical cancer through widespread human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and enhanced early detection measures. This initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to public health and aligns with global efforts to eradicate cervical cancer.
Key Objectives of the Strategy:
Vaccination: Achieve a 90% HPV vaccination rate among girls before the age of 15 by 2030.
Early Screening: Initiate regular cervical cancer screenings for women starting at age 25, with subsequent tests every three to five years.
Advanced Treatment: Provide state-of-the-art treatment for individuals diagnosed with cervical cancer, ensuring adherence to the highest international standards.
Proactive Measures and Achievements:
In 2018, the UAE became the first country in the Eastern Mediterranean region to incorporate the HPV vaccine into its national immunization program for females, targeting schoolgirls aged 13 to 14. Building on this success, the program was expanded in 2023 to include males aged 13 to 14, enhancing community-wide protection against HPV-related diseases.
Global Recognition and Alignment:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has commended the UAE for its effective integration of the HPV vaccine into the national immunization schedule, highlighting the country’s proactive approach to public health. This strategy aligns with the WHO’s global initiative to eliminate cervical cancer, which sets targets of 90% HPV vaccination coverage, 70% screening rates, and 90% access to treatment by 2030.
Current Statistics and Preventive Efforts:
According to the National Cancer Registry, cervical cancer ranks as the fifth most common cancer among women in the UAE. The nation’s proactive preventive policies have resulted in incidence rates lower than the global average. Regular screenings and vaccinations are pivotal in early detection and prevention, significantly improving recovery outcomes.
Community Engagement and Public Health Initiatives:
This strategy is part of the “Year of Community” initiative, emphasizing health awareness as a collective responsibility. MoHAP encourages individuals, institutions, and society at large to collaborate in promoting vaccination and regular screenings, aiming to build a healthier and thriving community.
Call to Action:
MoHAP urges parents to ensure their children receive the HPV vaccine and encourages women aged 25 to 65 to adhere to regular cervical cancer screenings every three to five years. These measures are vital in the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer, contributing to the overarching goal of its elimination in the UAE.
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