By Emma Black

 Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. Most sexually active individuals regardless of gender will contract HPV at some point in their lives, often without realizing it. While many HPV infections clear on their own, persistent cases can lead to serious health complications, including various forms of cancer.

This article outlines the essential facts about HPV, its potential health risks, preventive measures, and the global response led by health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO).

HPV refers to a group of more than 200 related viruses. Some types are considered low-risk, causing conditions like genital warts, while others are high-risk and associated with several forms of cancer, including:

Cervical cancer, Anal cancer, Penile cancer,Vaginal and vulvar cancer Mouth and throat (oropharyngeal) cancers

HPV spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact. While condoms help reduce transmission risk, they do not offer full protection as they don’t cover all exposed skin.

In most cases (around 90%), the body’s immune system clears HPV naturally within two years. However, persistent infection with high-risk HPV types can lead to abnormal cell changes, which if undetected or untreated can develop into cancer.

Cervical cancer is the most prevalent HPV-related cancer and the only one with a widely available screening method, Globally in 2019, HPV caused approximately 620,000 cancer cases in women and 70,000 in men.

In 2022, cervical cancer ranked as the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in women, with 660,000 new cases and around 350,000 deaths, HPV prevalence is highest in sub-Saharan Africa (24%), followed by Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. Vulnerable groups with higher risk include, Women living with HIV Men who have sex with men Immunocompromised individuals Victims of sexual abuse Individuals co-infected with other STIs

Lack of access to HPV vaccines, screening, and treatment services continues to fuel disparities in low- and middle-income countries.

Most HPV infections are asymptomatic. When symptoms occur, they may include Genital warts  small, rough growths around the vagina, penis, anus, or throat Cervical abnormalities – typically symptomless but detectable via screening Cervical cancer symptoms irregular bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, or pelvic pain

It can take 15–20 years for cervical cancer to develop from persistent HPV infection, often with no early signs making routine screening crucial.

The HPV vaccine is the most effective prevention tool. It protects against the high-risk types most likely to cause cancer and genital warts.

Recommended for girls aged 9–14 years, before sexual debut Available in 1 or 2 doses for healthy individuals; 2–3 doses for immunocompromised persons Condom use and voluntary male circumcision also help reduce risk

Non-smokers are less likely to develop persistent HPV infections Cervical cancer is the only HPV-related cancer with a widely available screening method Women aged 30–49 should be screened every 5–10 years Women living with HIV should begin screening at age 25, every 3 years

Screening involves HPV testing or Pap smears to detect precancerous changes. There is no cure for HPV itself, but conditions it causes like genital warts and precancers can be treated:

Ablation (freezing or heating) Surgical removal Radiotherapy or chemotherapy for invasive cancers Multidisciplinary care teams are essential for effective cancer management, especially in advanced cases In response to the global HPV burden, the World Health Assembly adopted a global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue, the targets are: 90% of girls fully vaccinated by age 15,

70% of women screened by ages 35 and 45 , 90% of women with disease receive appropriate treatment

The WHO supports countries through Policy formulation and advocacy Technical assistance and training Development of global health standards Integration with HIV/STI programs

HPV is preventable vaccination and regular screening are essential, Most infections clear naturally, but persistent ones can cause cancer. Cervical cancer screening saves lives. Global efforts are underway, but more awareness, access, and equity are needed.

 Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday,4th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)