WHO and UNFPA highlight importance of immunization and screening against cervical cancer in Georgia.
January 27, 2025, Tbilisi
Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death among women in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, where it is associated with enormous personal distress, social disruption, and financial costs for women, their families, and the health systems. Caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer is the 5th most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in Georgia.
Despite being preventable, it remains a major health issue in the country, where over 40% of women diagnosed are diagnosed in late (III and IV) stages. Most cervical cancer cases can be prevented by the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, and this disease is also curable if it is detected early and treated appropriately.
"The HPV vaccine is safe and effective in preventing cervical cancer. Achieving high rates of vaccination is key to eliminating cervical cancer in Georgia. I urge all those eligible to get vaccinated, to protect themselves and help protect their community” - said Dr. Silviu Domente, WHO Representative and the Head of WHO Country Office, Georgia.
In November 2020 WHO launched the Global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. It outlines three pillars of cervical cancer elimination – HPV vaccination, cervical screening, and treatment. All three pillars must be implemented collectively and at scale to achieve the goal of elimination.
In recognition of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month WHO Georgia and UNFPA Georgia stress the importance of access to HPV immunization, quality screening and treatment of precancerous lesions to eliminate cervical cancer.
“The cervical cancer screening programme was launched in Georgia in 2009, with the technical assistance of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). To make screening accessible to women living in remote areas, UNFPA, in cooperation with UN agencies and with the support of the European Union, is promoting the development of digital medicine in Georgia. HPV vaccination in certain age groups among both – young women and men, is also an important milestone in prevention of cervical cancer”- said Ms. Mariam Bandzeladze, Head of the UNFPA Georgia Country Office.
Already we can highlight the following commitments in the areas of prevention, screening, treatment and data management with the support of WHO and UNFPA:
Prevention: HPV vaccination is included in the national vaccination program (schedule), for girls 10-12 years old. In 2022 the Government of Georgia approved a “catch up” program for girls 13-18, while from 2023 the age of vaccination has increased to 46.*
As of now the vaccination programme includes:
• 2-dose vaccination for girls aged 10-12 with an interval of at least 6 months;
• 3-dose vaccination for 13-46 years according to the following schedule: 0 - 2 - 6 months. The minimum interval between the first and second dose should be at least 1 month, and the minimum interval between the second and third dose should be at least 3 months.
Screening: The national screening program provides cervical cancer screening free of charge for women between 25-60 across Georgia.
Treatment: Evidence-based guidelines for treatment of cervical cancer have been developed.
Data: The National Cancer Screening Registry was established to improve screening participation and data management.
*HPV vaccination and cervical screening are free and available in primary health-care centers and national screening centers. HPV Vaccination is also free for boys and men aged 10-26 and it prevents cancer in various localizations.
Furthermore, a 9-valent HVP vaccine is now available through the state program. This new vaccine protects against nine strains of human papillomavirus: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.
For additional information, please contact the hotline of the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC): 116 001
