THE EXISTENCE OF HPV VACCINATION PROGRAM AND ITS RELEVANCE IN THE PREVENTION OF CERVICAL CANCER IN RUSSIAN FEDERATION, BRAZIL, INDIA, JAPAN, CHINA, MALAYSIA, NIGERIA AND SWITZERLAND Authors

Background: Cervical cancer remains a significant health concern globally. The introduction of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine and the Papanicolaou smear (Pap smear) screening test have contributed to reducing cervical cancer morbidity and mortality. This study aims to evaluate the impact of these preventive measures on cervical cancer mortality rates in eight countries: Russia, Nigeria, India, China, Japan, Switzerland, Brazil, and Malaysia. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using data from the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations, World Bank, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and other sources for 2019 and 2020. Mortality rates, HPV vaccination programs, screening usage, and cervical cancer risk among females aged 0-74 years were analyzed and compared. Results: China reported the highest number of cervical cancer deaths (51,600), but Brazil had the highest mortality rate (1.56%). The lowest mortality rate was observed in Switzerland (0.30%). HPV vaccination was included in the national schedule for Japan, Switzerland, Brazil, and Malaysia. Screening for cervical cancer was implemented in all eight countries, with Russia and Switzerland having the highest frequency (8:10 each) and India having the least (<1:10). Conclusion: The combination of HPV vaccination programs and active screening is the most effective measure for preventing cervical cancer mortality, as demonstrated by Switzerland. However, the importance of screening cannot be understated, as seen in Russia, where screening alone plays a significant role in cervical cancer prevention. Further efforts should focus on integrating both preventive strategies to reduce the global burden of cervical cancer.