Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. In the United Arab Emirates, it is the fifth most prevalent cancer[1] , rising to the third most frequent in those aged between 15 and 44-years-old[1].

Current estimates that, 141 women in the UAE were diagnosed with the disease[1] in 2021, with around a 50% mortality rate[2]. These numbers are even more pronounced in countries lacking cervical cancer screening and prevention programmes, highlighting the importance - and power - of public health prevention initiatives.

In the Western Asia region, it is estimated that around 2.5% of all women in have HPV 16 or 18 at any given time[2].

The promising news is that more than 90% of cervical cancers are believed to be preventable with the implementation of robust early detection programmes, such as Papanicolaou (Pap) testing and primary Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing.

To eliminate cervical cancer, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that all countries must achieve an incidence rate of less than four in 100,000 women. To do this, they set targets of 90% of girls receiving the HPV vaccine by the age of 15, at least 70% of women to be screened at age 35 and then again at 45, and 90% of women with pre-cancerous invasive cancer lesions to receive treatment. If every country meets this ‘90–70–90’ target by 2030, they estimate that cervical cancer can be eliminated by the next century.

HPV screening and vaccine is vital for prevention

Around the world, cervical cancer screening has been instrumental in reducing both the incidence and mortality rates associated with the disease.

There are more than 100 types of HPV[3], and the higher risk strains are the primary cause of cervical cancer, with 72.4% of invasive cervical cancers attributed to HPVs 16 or 18. So, early detection of cervical cancer is crucial for successful treatment and improved outcomes and vaccination has proven to be a vital tool.

Vaccines such as the 9-valent, quadrivalent, or bivalent HPV vaccine offer protection against cervical cancer, as well as oropharyngeal, vulvar, vaginal, cervical, penile, and anal cancers, that may arise from persistent high-risk HPV infections. Additionally, the quadrivalent and 9-valent vaccines also guard against anogenital warts.

While the burden of HPV-associated diseases is lower in males, the indirect benefits of vaccinating females alone are incomplete. Vaccinating males not only provides direct benefits but also enhances population-wide protection through herd immunity. In Abu Dhabi, the HPV immunization program has been expanded to include male school students aged 13-14 years.

Harnessing technological solutions for prevention programmes

The establishment of an information platform for cervical cancer prevention in the digital era has far-reaching significance for global elimination.

For an example, a Health Information Exchange (HIE) platform, like Malaffi, the region’s first HIE platform and a strategic initiative of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH) enables the creation of a central database of patient information, enabling communication around screening invites to be swiftly shared with the eligible population.

Furthermore, a robust HIE can serve as a central vaccination repository, offering notification reminders around vaccination due dates and tracking the uptake, and reducing unnecessary duplicate tests, propelling providers on the path of prevention rather than cure.

Through the HIE, doctors are also able to swiftly access the current and previous HPV / PAP results in just a click. This longitudinal tracking of these results on an individual level also enhances patient outcomes by enabling early detection, timely interventions, and personalized treatment strategies, ultimately leading to better prognosis and reduced morbidity and mortality from cervical cancer.

[1]HPV Information Centre, Human Papillomavirus and Related Diseases Report, United Arab Emirates,  Available online: https://hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/ARE.pdf
[Accessed 19 February. 2024].
[2] Human Papillomavirus and Related Cancers, Fact Sheet 2023, United Arab Emirates, Available online: https://hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/ARE_FS.pdf
[Accessed 19 February. 2024].
[3] National Library of Medicine (NLP), Human Papillomavirus Authors: Lynette Luria; Gabriella Cardoza-Favarato. Available online: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448132/
[Accessed 19 February. 2024].