Innovations in HPV vaccination and their role in global cervical cancer control: a review

Cervical cancer remains a primary cause of gynecologic oncology-related mortality globally, with a disproportionate burden in sub-Saharan Africa. The pathogenesis of the disease is fundamentally driven by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes, most notably HPV-16 and HPV-18. The evolution of prophylactic HPV vaccination has transformed preventive oncology, progressing from first-generation bivalent and quadrivalent formulations to the nonavalent vaccine, which extended protection to five additional oncogenic types. These vaccines, composed of L1 virus-like particles (VLPs), induce robust and durable humoral and cellular immune responses, leading to population-level reductions of up to 98% in vaccine-type infections and 80% in high-grade cervical lesions. To address persistent global health disparities, regionally produced, cost-effective alternatives such as Cecolin and Cervavac have been introduced to enhance accessibility within low- and middle-income countries. This shift toward broader coverage is further supported by the 2022 WHO recommendation for a single-dose schedule, aimed at optimizing resource-limited immunization programs. Current research is now pivoting toward next-generation candidates targeting the conserved L2 protein for pan-genotype protection, as well as therapeutic vaccines targeting E6 and E7 oncoproteins to clear established infections. However, achieving the WHO’s 2030 cervical cancer elimination targets remains contingent upon overcoming infrastructural, cultural, and informational barriers that hinder vaccine uptake. This review synthesizes the molecular composition and immunological mechanisms of current and emerging HPV vaccines, evaluating their clinical efficacy and the systemic strategies required to ensure equitable global access.