Cervical cancer ranks among the leading causes of death worldwide [1]. Cervical cancer remains a significant global health challenge, with 570,000 new cases reported in 2018 and an age-standardized mortality
rate of 6.9 per 100,000 [2]. As of 2020, there were approximately 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths from cervical cancer globally [3]. The burden of cervical cancer is not evenly distributed, with a disproportionately high incidence and mortality rate in low- and middleincome countries (85-90%) where access to healthcare, including screening and treatment, is limited [4,5]. Inadequate infrastructure, a lack
of access to preventive HPV vaccines, screening, and treatment, as well as a shortage of trained professionals and training opportunities in these countries, impede efforts to reduce incidence and death [4]. Apart from deaths, cervical cancer can profoundly impact women's lives, leading to physical and emotional suffering and negatively affecting families and communities.
The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with highrisk types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), mainly HPV-16 and HPV
18 [6,7]. HPV is highly contagious and can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual intercourse [7]. It can also be passed from mother to child during childbirth. Other factors associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer include early sexual initiation, multiple sexual partners, smoking, a weakened immune system, and a family history of cervical cancer [8].
For primary prevention, HPV vaccines, such as Gardasil 9 and Cervarix, effective against the most common cancer-causing HPV types, are typically administered to adolescents before they become sexually active, providing long-lasting protection [9]. The use of condoms during sexual activity can also reduce the risk of HPV transmission and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) [9,10].
