MSD (www.MSD.co.za) congratulates Ethiopia on the successful launch of the National Immunisation Programme (NIP) for the Human-Papillomavirus (HPV - the main cause of cervical cancer).[1]

Each year an estimated 7 095 Ethiopian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. In 2012 the mortality rate related to cervical cancer for Ethiopian women was 20 per 100 000. Total cancer deaths in females was 26 200 annually, of which 17.5% (4 454) is attributable to cervical cancer.[2]^a,b,c

In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), cervical cancer incidence rates are the highest in the world and the disease is the most common cause of cancer death among women in the region. HPV16 and 18 are the most common genotypes for cervical cancer in SSA[3]. Although HPV16 and 18 are associated with approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases the various HPV genotypes also contribute to penile cancers, anal cancers, vulvar and vaginal cancers as well as genital warts[4].

The launch of the NIP in Ethiopia is an important step towards achieving the vision of a world where the number of women and men affected by certain HPV-related cancers is greatly reduced. MSD is committed to working with the government of Ethiopia and other partners on the continent to ensure that this goal becomes a reality.