Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance reached its target of vaccinating an estimated 86 million girls with the vaccine that prevents the human papillomavirus, or HPV — a sexually transmitted infection which can lead to cervical cancer. The organization estimates this will prevent an estimated 1.4 million deaths.
The vaccine is recommended for girls aged 9 to 14 years old — making campaigns for this vaccine unique, given that many vaccines target younger children, and so routine vaccination systems are built around that age group.
At the end of 2022, Gavi’s board approved this goal to reach 86 million girls by the end of 2025.