Iran Set to Include HPV Vaccination in National Immunization Program
TEHRAN – The health ministry in Iran is poised to roll out the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine as part of the country’s national immunization program. This step aims to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer and genital warts, addressing a critical public health issue.
According to an official statement from Alireza Raeisi, an official with the health ministry, “Genital warts are not prevalent in Iran, so the primary focus will be on preventing the types of HPV known to cause cervical cancer.”
The Importance of HPV Vaccination
The HPV vaccine, much like the influenza vaccine, is designed to protect individuals who are at higher risk of contracting the virus. When introduced in December 2024, the vaccine will be a powerful tool in the fight against the HPV-related diseases. By February 2023, the vaccine has already been rolled out in 140 countries worldwide.
Regional Implementation
In the Eastern Mediterranean region, several countries have already taken steps to integrate HPV vaccination into their national health programs. Saudi Arabia, Libya, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) are among the leaders in this area, demonstrating the effectiveness and feasibility of the broader strategy.
The Iranian-made HPV Vaccine
Iran has made significant strides in domestic vaccine production. The country has developed a bivalent HPV vaccine that targets subtypes 16 and 18, known for causing many cancers, including cervical cancer. However, this vaccine is less effective against types 6 and 11, which are responsible for genital warts.
In January, an Iranian knowledge-based company announced its readiness to supply the vaccine to regional countries and North Africa. The locally produced vaccine is priced at 75% less than its international counterparts, making it a cost-effective solution.
The manufacturing of HPV vaccines is one of the most technically demanding processes in the world. However, Iran has successfully navigated these challenges. The vaccine has passed quality control tests, pre-clinical trials, and, since 2019, has been undergoing clinical trials with healthy volunteers. After demonstrating safety and efficacy in increasing antibody titers, the vaccine received approval from the Food and Drug Organization to enter the market in 2020.
The Impact of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is a significant global health concern, ranking as the fourth most common cancer among women. In 2022, approximately 660,000 new cases were reported worldwide, leading to 350,000 deaths. Low- and middle-income countries bear the brunt of this burden, with incidence and mortality rates far higher than in developed nations.
The virus responsible for cervical cancer is HPV. Women living with HIV face a sixfold increased risk of developing cervical cancer compared to those without HIV. Effective prevention strategies include prophylactic HPV vaccination, regular screening, and timely treatment of pre-cancer lesions.
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can cure cervical cancer, underscoring the critical importance of the HPV vaccine as part of a comprehensive public health approach.
Conclusion
The inclusion of the HPV vaccine in Iran’s national immunization program represents a significant step toward improving public health outcomes. By leveraging locally produced vaccines and implementing global best practices, Iran is demonstrating commitment to reducing cervical cancer rates and improving the quality of life for its citizens.
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