HPV Vaccination in HIV Infected and HIV Uninfected Adolescents in Eswatini

Cervical cancer remains a significant threat to public health worldwide and remains the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality in women in Sub Saharan Africa. Cervical cancer-associated morbidity and mortality is preventable through HPV vaccination, and screening and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions. To date, there is no nationwide HPV vaccination program in Eswatini and the country is not eligible for Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) procurement of HPV vaccines, and yet the triad of HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and cervical cancer generates a severe disease burden warranting immediate introduction of this intervention. Given the global limitations in vaccine supply and the high cost for procurement, country programs, including in Eswatini, must optimize vaccine resources in order to maximize HPV vaccine coverage.