Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a DNA virus that consists of more than 100 subtypes, of which more than 40 are sexually transmitted and can infect anogenital and oropharyngeal mucosa. At least 14 HPV types classified as ‘high risk’ can cause cervical cancer in women, and a fraction of other anogenital cancers and head and neck cancers in both genders. In 2020, according to data from the Global Cancer Observatory (CGO), cervical cancer was the 4th most common cancer among women worldwide. Cervical cancer is a highly preventable disease through HPV vaccination (primary prevention) and cervical cancer screening (secondary prevention), and is a treatable disease if detected promptly and properly treated. However, it still represents an important public health problem in Europe and worldwide, especially in poor countries, including several Eastern Europe countries, where access to public health services is limited and screening and treatment for the disease have not been widely implemented. Although vaccines have been available since 2006 and have been progressively introduced into national immunization plans, both introduction and coverage still do not reach optimal levels in Europe and globally. In 2020, according to the WHO/UNICEF Joint Reporting Form on Immunization (JRF), the European Region reported a program coverage of the 27%. In order to achieve the 90% HPV vaccination coverage goal set up by the WHO, many countries require actions to improve their specific vaccination coverages. Moreover, the variation observed in the vaccination coverage between and within countries, indicates the presence of inequalities in access to and information on vaccines. The General Objective of PERCH (PartnERship to Contrast HPV) is to contribute to the implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, which aims to support Member States’ efforts to extend the roll-out of routine HPV vaccination to eliminate cervical cancer and other cancers caused by HPV in the coming decade.

To this aim, determinants of vaccination hesitancy will be analyzed in order to increase knowledge and awareness among the target population, and training activities will be set up for healthcare personnel on vaccination communication. Transferability of good practices will be promoted and facilitated among participating countries. And finally Member States will be supported to launch large-scale human papillomavirus vaccination campaigns.

https://www.projectperch.eu/