The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes of cervical cancer cases. Australia’s universal, free vaccination program, launched in 2007, has dramatically reduced the prevalence of high-risk oncogenic HPV types 16/18 in young people: the infection rate dropped from 20% to 1%. This unequivocally confirms that vaccines work quickly and effectively against this deadly disease.
This research, which is part of the 2025 Cervical Cancer Elimination Progress Report, details Australia’s national strategy for HPV vaccination and screening.
The study recorded an unprecedented, historic victory: in 2021, the female population under the age of 25 saw zero incidence of cervical cancer. This is the first time this rate has been recorded in the country since 1982.
Furthermore, the overall cancer incidence (rate of new cases) nationwide decreased from (2020) to per 100,000 population in 2021. This result significantly approaches the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2030 elimination target, which aims for fewer than 4 cases per 100,000 people.
The Effect of Vaccination on Oncogenic HPV
The HPV vaccination program caused a radical change in the prevalence of high-risk oncogenic types:
The prevalence of HPV types 16/18 in women aged is now only (2024), a reduction compared to the first screening.
In women aged , this rate is even lower—.
A similar, decline was recorded among Indigenous women, underscoring the program’s equitable effectiveness.
This data clearly confirms the rapid, large-scale, and protective effect of the vaccination program.
The program began in 2007 and included free vaccination for girls aged , which was later expanded to include ages up to . Boys joined the school vaccination schedule in 2013. The currently used nine-component vaccine (nonavalent) covers approximately of cervical cancer cases (including HPV types 16/18, which are the main oncogenic factors).
Challenges to Program Success
Despite the successes achieved, an alarming regression in the vaccination program was recorded:
Decline in Vaccination Coverage: Coverage for -year-old girls dropped to (2024), a declinecompared to 2023 (the peak was in 2020). This rate stands at for boys. Coverage rates are particularly low in Indigenous populations and remote areas.
Reasons: This decline is due to factors such as the impact of the pandemic, socioeconomic difficulties, vaccine mistrust, and others. (Immediate response is necessary against this backdrop to achieve the WHO’s target rate.)
Australia leads and represents a model for global elimination, both in terms of ensuring equity and effective data management. Maintaining the program’s success requires:
Restoring Coverage: Eliminating the decline in vaccination coverage through school programs and improved accessibility.
National Goals: The national strategy is oriented toward achieving a screening and treatment rate.
