Colombia and Argentina Launch New HPV Prevention Initiatives

Colombia’s Liga Colombiana Contra el Cáncer and the National Alliance Abrázame announced the "Escuadrón Vital" campaign, a national communication and education strategy aimed at reversing a steep drop in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage – from 96.7% after introduction to about 9% in 2020 – and to improve public understanding of the virus’s link to various cancers. The launch in Bogotá featured anime‑style characters, audiovisual pieces and a public forum, emphasizing that free, safe vaccination remains a key tool for cancer prevention.

In Argentina’s Mendoza province, the Hospital Schestakow, the San Rafael health area and the General Directorate of Schools are rolling out a free, rapid HPV testing campaign for women aged 30–65. Starting 1 July at the Escuela Armada Argentina in El Molino, the initiative will also be available at dozens of local health centers, offering simple screening to detect early‑stage cervical‑cancer risk and reduce annual deaths in the region.