More than 27,000 women in Europe die from cervical cancer each year. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for this disease and for at least five other cancers that affect both women and men. HPV vaccination is among the most effective tools available, yet its full potential is still not being realised.

To help address this, two valuable resources are being introduced at the European Parliament: The European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual & Reproductive Rights (EPF) is presenting the HPV Prevention Policy Atlas 2025 – while the European Cancer Organisation (ECO) is launching the new ECO Good Practice Guide on HPV Vaccination.

Developed by leading European experts, the Guide brings together evidence and real-world experience from countries that have successfully improved vaccination rates. It provides practical recommendations on programme design, delivery systems, data use and communication, helping policymakers and health systems translate commitments into effective action. Designed as a concise, fully digital and interactive resource, the ECO Guide can be adapted to different countries and used to support continuous improvement of vaccination programmes.

To support this analysis, the EPF Atlas provides a comparative overview of vaccination policies and implementation across Europe, highlighting where gaps persist and where further action is needed.

Together, they identify where countries stand and offer practical solutions to strengthen HPV vaccination delivery

Key messages:

• Safe and effective vaccines are widely available, yet differences in programme design, delivery systems and public engagement result in uneven protection across Europe.
• HPV vaccination must be treated as a core component of cancer prevention systems. The Guide calls for stronger integration into national cancer plans, backed by sustained political commitment and long-term investment.
• Reaching target population effectively requires reliable delivery models that ensure easy access, coordinate vaccination planning and delivery across sectors such as health and education, and minimise missed opportunities for vaccination.
• Data and accountability are essential. Strengthening registries and monitoring systems are critical to track uptake, identify gaps and support evidence-based decision-making.
• Public confidence is critical. Continuous, trusted communication is needed to normalise vaccination best practices, and counter misinformation.
• Equity must be built into programme design. Differences in access between countries and population groups highlight the need to ensure that all eligible populations are reached, without financial, social or geographic barriers.
• Closing immunity gaps requires targeted strategies. Catch-up vaccination and extended eligibility can help ensure that those who missed initial opportunities are not left unprotected.

Join policymakers, clinicians, researchers and patient advocates for the presentation of these and other findings from the ECO Guide and the EPF Atlas, and how they can strengthen HPV-related cancers prevention across Europe.

Source: European Cancer Organisation