Moving Beyond the Female-Only Paradigm: Arguments for Accelerating the Global Gender-Neutral Human Papillomavirus...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Vaccinology
• Oncology

Background:

• The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, adopted in 2006, significantly reduces cervical cancer rates.
• HPV infection causes non-cervical cancers and conditions often neglected due to gendered vaccination narratives.
• Gender-neutral vaccination (GNV) programs are expanding globally but face slow adoption, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for a global transition from female-only to universal, gender-neutral HPV vaccination strategies.
• To analyze how GNV addresses rising non-cervical cancer burdens and promotes gender justice.
• To examine GNV's role in strengthening herd immunity and program resilience in LMICs.

Main Methods:

• Perspective paper analyzing current HPV vaccination strategies and their impact.
• Review of existing literature on HPV-associated cancers and vaccination outcomes.
• Discussion of gender equity, public health interventions, and societal implications.

Main Results:

• Female-only HPV vaccination can inadvertently stigmatize women and exacerbate health inequities.
• GNV strategies are essential for tackling the full spectrum of HPV-related diseases.
• Universal HPV vaccination strengthens herd immunity and program resilience, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Conclusions:

• An accelerated global shift to gender-neutral HPV vaccination is imperative.
• GNV promotes gender justice and addresses a wider range of HPV-related health issues.
• The HPV vaccine experience highlights the unintended social harms of gender-specific public health interventions.