HPV vaccine implementation and monitoring in Latin America

Abstract

Objective. To describe HPV vaccine program implementation, monitoring and evaluation experiences in Latin America. Materials and methods. We reviewed published articles in peer-reviewed journals and reports from government websites, as well as the PAHO/WHO/UNICEF Joint Reporting form and the ICO/IARC HPV Information Centre database. Results. By December 2016, 13 countries/territories in Latin America (56%) have introduced HPV vaccines. The majority have done so in the past three years, targeting 10- 12 year old girls with a two dose schedule, through school programs. Vaccine coverage ranges from 30 to 87%. Safety monitoring is well established, but monitoring vaccine impact is not, and data are not available. Conclusions. Although Latin America is the most advanced developing region with HPV vaccine introduction, systems for its monitoring are weak and there is a paucity of consistently available coverage data for this vaccine. Challenges remain to introduce HPV vaccines in several countries, to achieve high coverage, and to strengthen monitoring, evaluation and reporting.