Vietnam plans inclusion of HPV vaccine in national immunization program

According to Do Xuan Tuyen, Deputy Minister of Health, more than 2,500 women lose their lives to cervical cancer each year and approximately 6,200 cases of HPV-related cancers are recorded annually.

To effectively curb the rising cases, a national media campaign "For a Vietnam Free from the Burden of HPV" was held in Hanoi on March 29-30 with the participation of senior officials from different government agencies, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper, and celebrities, including famous singer Ha Anh Tuan.

"The campaign aims to raise public awareness and encourage prevention of HPV-related diseases and cancers. About 200,000 Vietnamese women could lose their lives to cervical cancer by 2070 if no immediate action is taken," Tuyen said.

Second only to breast cancer in terms of mortality, cervical cancer ranks fourth among malignancies affecting Vietnamese women, making up about 12% of all female cancers.

Tuyen explained that cervical cancer takes many years to develop, and most cases occur in women between the ages of 40 and 70, although it can affect younger women in their 20s. Treatment costs vary greatly depending on the stage of the disease, averaging between VND90 million and VND138 million (US$3,800 to $5,800) per year. However, cervical cancer can be prevented through early detection and HPV vaccination. Pre-cancerous lesions detected by screening are often successfully treated with simple and affordable techniques.

"Starting in 2026, HPV vaccines will be included in the National Expanded Immunization Program and administered free of charge," Tuyen said.

He encouraged people to lead healthy lives and take preventive measures to protect their health and that of the public and urged parents to be vigilant about the risks of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases, especially among adolescents.

Commitment to community health

At the event, the MoH's National Center for Health Communication and Education and MSD Vietnam (Merck & Co. Inc. - the world's premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical firm signed a cooperation agreement to work together on this national campaign. It will focus on raising public awareness through health education programs in many provinces and cities.

During the two-day exhibition of “For a Vietnam Free from the Burdens of HPV” on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, MSD Vietnam used AI and 3D projection to create interactive educational experiences, making health information more engaging and accessible. The aim is to empower individuals to protect their health and that of their families, with a focus on  HPV-related diseases, including cancer.

"I am pleased that a US pharmaceutical company like MSD is contributing to the effort to combat HPV in Vietnam. Every organization and sector must do its part," said Marc E. Knapper, US Ambassador to Vietnam.

Singer Ha Anh Tuan, the campaign's ambassador shared: "I am honored to be a part of this effort. Through this campaign, I hope to raise awareness and help spread the message to a wider audience to reduce the burden of this dangerous virus." 

The program will continue with rural outreach and a series of community events and exhibitions in Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City, to reach over 50,000 people.

HPV and its risks

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HPV is primarily spread through sexual contact and is associated with many malignancies in addition to cervical cancer. HPV-related cancers include cervical, vaginal, penile, and genital warts, which affect both men and women. Of these, cervical cancer is the most prevalent.

A single case of cervical cancer caused by HPV can potentially spread to 12-18 other individuals, with transmission rates far exceeding those of influenza and chickenpox. Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, conjunctivitis, and rash.

In advanced stages, it can cause serious complications such as laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, encephalitis, meningitis, otitis media, gastrointestinal ulcers, corneal ulcers, immunosuppression, and even death.