UAE Vision 2030; 90% HPV Vaccination for Girls Aged 13–14
The UAE plans to vaccinate 90 percent of girls aged 13–14 against HPV by 2030, as part of its commitment to eradicating cervical cancer while fostering public health.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) highlighted the importance of the proactive national strategy to fight the human papillomavirus (HPV) to reduce cervical cancer and other diseases associated with the virus. The national plan includes 90 percent HPV vaccination for girls aged below 15 by 2030 and early cervical cancer screening at age 25.
In addition, the nation aims to provide affected individuals with advanced treatment in line with the highest international standards. This strengthens the UAE’s commitment to the global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer.
In 2018, the UAE introduced HPV vaccine in its national immunization program for females, targeting schoolgirls aged 13 to 14 as part of this strategy. This makes the UAE the first country in the Eastern Mediterranean region to initiate this.
In 2023, the UAE ministry expanded the HPV vaccination program to include males aged 13 to 14 years, further improving community protection and preventing HPV-related diseases in both genders.
The Ministry stressed that the nation will double its efforts to meet international standards in prevention, early detection, and treatment. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognized the UAE’s national immunization program and its integration of the HPV vaccine into a cutting-edge immunization system.
The MoHAP highlighted that its strategy focus on prevention, awareness, and the use of advanced immunization technologies. These efforts also fall in line with the “Year of Community”, a national initiative that views health awareness as a shared responsibility.
The ministry underscored the role of fostering a culture of early screening and vaccination in strengthening community health. According to the National Cancer Registry, cervical cancer is the fifth most common cancer seen among the UAE women, with national incidence rates lower than the global average due to the country’s proactive and effective preventive measures.
Furthermore, the UAE ministry emphasized the importance of regular cervical cancer screening for women aged between 25 and 65. To enhance recovery chances, it is recommended to test every three to five years for early detection.