Panama’s HPV Vaccination Program Offers blueprint for Global Cervical Cancer Elimination
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Nearly 350,000 women worldwide loose their lives to cervical cancer each year, but a new study highlights Panama’s success in implementing a comprehensive HPV vaccination program and offers valuable lessons for global elimination efforts. Research presented at the International congress of the Papillomavirus Society (IPVS) in Bangkok, Thailand, in October 2025, details Panama’s achievements and ongoing challenges in combating the disease, providing a benchmark for future impact studies.
A Pioneering Approach to HPV Vaccination
Panama distinguished itself as the first nation globally to integrate the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). This commitment, coupled with the recent introduction of a vaccine protecting against the most carcinogenic HPV strains, positions the country as a leader in preventative healthcare. Panama has also pledged to meet the ambitious 90-70-90 goals set by the Pan American Health Association (PAHO) and the World Health organization (WHO) to expand access to vaccination, screening, and treatment.
the study, titled “HPV Vaccine Uptake and Cervical Cancer trends in Panama: A Benchmark for Future Impact Studies” and published in the journal Vaccines, provides a comprehensive analysis of the nation’s progress. Led by Dr. Arlene Calvo, a researcher and professor at the University of South Florida (USF), the research team examined trends in vaccination coverage, cervical cancer incidence, mortality rates, and screening practices.
The study underscores the critical need for increased screening efforts.According to the PAHO, over 240 varieties of HPV exist, with 15 strains linked to cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, and oropharynx.Strains 16 and 18 are responsible for nearly all preneoplastic and invasive cervical cancer lesions.
Innovative screening options, such as self-testing, are proving notably valuable in areas with limited access to healthcare personnel. “We must reinforce vaccination in areas where coverage is below 90%, offer greater screening options and facilitate access to treatment for women in early stages, before developing invasive cancer,” Dr. Calvo emphasized. Timely results and access to early diagnosis and treatment are paramount to preventing the progression to invasive cancer.
Global Implications and Future Research
The Panamanian experience offers a valuable model for other nations striving to eliminate cervical cancer. The study’s findings have already fostered collaborations with IPVS representatives in Latin American countries and the Sabin Institute for vaccine research.
Looking ahead, Dr. Calvo and her team plan to conduct further research to determine the long-term impact of the HPV vaccine. “We have to develop other specific studies to determine the impact of the vaccine; that will be the next step,” she stated. “For now, we insist on the need to continue vaccinating boys and girls and for women to have Pap smears (PAP) or cytology done regularly.”
Ultimately, the success of Panama’s program hinges on a collective obligation – from healthcare professionals and authorities to individuals actively seeking vaccination and participating in screening programs.The vaccine, Dr. Calvo reiterated, is effective not only against cervical cancer but also against anal and oropharyngeal cancers, as well as genital warts. Leveraging updated data and a commitment to proactive healthcare are essential to improving public health outcomes and achieving the goal of cervical cancer elimination.
Reference: Calvo, A., Hall, S., Melgar Cossich, V. B., Andreadakis, J., López Castillo, H.,Pinto,D., & Hewitt, I. d. (2025). HPV Vaccine Uptake and Cervical Cancer Trends in Panama: A Reference Point for Future Impact Studies. Vaccines, 13(11), 1173. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13111173
