HPV Prevention Policy Atlas 2025
The European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights, in collaboration with the Institute for Patients’ Rights and Health Education in Poland and the European Cancer Organization, presented the new edition of the HPV Prevention Policy Atlas 2025 at an event in the Polish Senate, titled “HPV Prevention in Poland and Europe.” Slovakia ranked 11th from the bottom.
What is HPV, and why is it important to get vaccinated?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 100 types of viruses. They are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or through mucous membranes, most commonly during sexual intercourse (including oral sex).
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. It affects up to 8 out of 10 people during their lifetime. Although the immune system can often fight it off, some types of the virus can cause serious oncological illnesses. Vaccination is the most effective form of prevention available.
High-risk types can lead to cancer. The most well-known of these is cervical cancer, but HPV can also cause rectal, vaginal, penile, and throat cancer. Two high-risk types, HPV16 and HPV18, cause up to 70 percent of cervical cancer cases.
Low-risk types: cause benign but unpleasant diseases such as genital warts (condylomas).
Why is vaccination crucial?
It helps prevent cancer, not “just” infection. Vaccination can prevent almost 90% of cervical cancer cases.
HPV does not discriminate based on gender. Boys and men can not only be carriers, but the virus can also cause cancer of the penis, rectum, or warts. By vaccinating boys, we protect them and their future partners.
The vaccine works best when administered before the first sexual contact, when the body’s immune response is strongest. In Slovakia, vaccination is fully covered by insurance for children aged 12 to 15. However, vaccination remains beneficial in adulthood too, as it can protect you from HPV types you have not yet encountered. Studies confirm the benefits of vaccination in both women and men up to the age of 45.
Key findings and methodology
The HPV Atlas, led by the European Parliamentary Forum on Sexual and Reproductive Rights and supported by the European Cancer Organization, aims to provide up-to-date, publicly available information on cervical cancer in all countries in the European region, in line with the World Health Organization’s strategy for the elimination of cervical cancer and the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.
The research reveals an overall positive trend since the previous version was published. Denmark, Sweden, and Portugal achieve the best results thanks to strong national vaccination policies, high vaccination coverage, and extensive catch-up programs. In contrast, Azerbaijan ranks last due to a lack of public funding for vaccination programs.
