FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus. It is a common sexually transmitted infection that affects both males and females. There are many different types of HPV, some of which can cause serious health problems, including cervical, anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts

Cervical cancer is the 6th leading cancer among women in the region. Its incidence is expected to rise by around 82% by 2040, compared to 2020, in some countries in the region (e.g. Qatar). In 2020, more than 47,500 women across the region died due to this cancer. It is thus crucial to address this burden through comprehensive prevention strategies, including vaccination and screening programs.

Only six countries have introduced HPV vaccination into their National Immunization Programs (NIPs) so far, namely the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Libya, Kuwait, and Qatar.

The MENA Coalition for HPV Elimination is actively working to address the burden of HPV and cervical cancer in the region. Through collaborative advocacy efforts, the Coalition aims to raise awareness, promote comprehensive prevention strategies, and encourage policy changes in that sense. This includes advocating for the introduction of gender-neutral school-based HPV vaccination, fostering communication and collaboration among stakeholders, sharing resources, monitoring progress, and engaging decision-makers to prioritize HPV elimination efforts.

The Coalition welcomes individuals and organizations who share its vision and mission and are committed to eliminating HPV-related diseases in the region and beyond. You can get involved by: 

• Joining our mailing list (Google Group)

• Following us on social media (Facebook and Twitter)

• Contacting us through the provided form for general inquiries or partnership requests

• Regularly visiting our web page for updates