UAE Steps Up Fight Against HPV and Cervical Cancer
MoHAP boosts cancer prevention goals with wider HPV vaccination, early screening, and advanced treatment.
- Publish date: since 5 days
The UAE is going full throttle in its mission to beat cervical cancer and HPV-related diseases with a turbocharged national prevention strategy led by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP).
As part of its broader push to boost public health, MoHAP has announced an ambitious new plan to vaccinate 90% of girls against the human papillomavirus (HPV) by age 15, all by the year 2030. The initiative also includes early cervical cancer screening and access to cutting-edge treatment options for anyone affected.
Leading the Region in HPV Prevention
The UAE made history back in 2018 when it became the first country in the Eastern Mediterranean region to include the HPV vaccine in its national immunisation programme, starting with schoolgirls aged 13 to 14. In 2023, the programme was expanded to include boys of the same age—proving the country’s serious commitment to full gender-inclusive protection.
MoHAP says this is about more than just vaccines—it's a holistic public health movement that encourages early detection, awareness, and accessibility, backed by global standards and recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Health Goals Meet Community Spirit
This strategy also falls under the UAE’s "Year of Community" campaign, aligning healthcare with social responsibility. The message is clear: when everyone pitches in, we all get healthier.
MoHAP recommends regular cervical cancer screening every 3–5 years for women aged 25 to 65, helping detect and treat the disease in its early stages.
The Bigger Picture
According to the UAE’s National Cancer Registry, cervical cancer is the fifth most common cancer among women in the country. Thankfully, national incidence rates remain lower than global averages—a stat MoHAP hopes to improve even further with this new, proactive approach.
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