A call for the introduction of gender-neutral HPV vaccination to national immunisation programmes in Africa

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes more than 90% of cervical and anal cancers, more than 70% of oropharyngeal cancers, and a substantial proportion of vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers. About 85% of women and 91% of men with a sexual partner will be infected with HPV in their lifetime.1 However, if countries can attain 80% HPV vaccination coverage in both men and women, HPV-associated cancers could be eliminated.2 The theme of the upcoming European Research Organization on Genital Infection and Neoplasia conference, due to be held in December 2018—“From control to elimination of HPV induced cancers: time to match visions with actions”—could not be more pertinent to the African continent.