By Anja Schneider | GAIA Vaccine Foundation Intern
According to statistics gathered by The College of Physicians in Philadelphia, nearly a third of women will test positive for HPV in their lifetime, and more than 80% of women will be infected by HPV by the time they are 50. The high prevalence of HPV demonstrates the need for consistent and organized distribution of HPV vaccinations in areas that are more susceptible. This is the goal of the project HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention for West Africa.
The HPV vaccine that prevents four types of HPV was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2006. Several more were approved in 2009, and another in 2014. As research from HPV developed, so did the vaccines. What’s interesting about these vaccinations is that they contain no viral RNA or DNA, so they are unable to transmit diseases to the host. Research on these vaccination also suggests that they are effective in preventing precancerous cervical and anal changes in both men and women, which is caused by high risk cancer causing HPV strands (History of Vaccines). Overall, the prevalence of the HPV vaccination is a life saving preemptive necessity.
Two strains of the HPV virus are responsible for around 70% of all cervical cancer cases. These two strains can be prevented with the HPV vaccine. Unfortunately, however, developing countries such as Mali do not have the same access to this vaccine as countries such as the United States. Many women in Mali also do not realize the importance of receiving yearly cervical exams, and how it can prevent cervical cancer.
By donating to the ongoing project HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention for West Africa, you will be helping Mali increase their HPV vaccination numbers and save countless lives. For just $10, you’d be giving a printed education cloth and a cervical screening to one woman. For only $15, you can provide treatment for one woman with precancerous lesions. For just $50, you will cover the cost of providing the HPV vaccination for 10 adolescents. Your generous donations will help countless individuals acquire the medical attention needed to prevent this life threatening disease.
By Anja Schneider | GAIA Vaccine Foundation Intern
By Anja Schneider | GAIA Vaccine Foundation Volunteer
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