Slovakia signs memorandum to eliminate HPV-related cancers

Key Slovak institutions, including the Ministries of Health and Education, have signed a memorandum titled ‘Let’s get HPV-caused cancers out of Slovakia.’ The initiative aims to develop a national elimination plan with measurable results to combat cancers caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Data indicates that in the last five years, Slovakia has seen nearly 9,500 new cases of HPV-related cancers, resulting in approximately 5,300 deaths. Current vaccination rates among children born in 2010 stand at 52.8% for girls and 32.0% for boys. The memorandum was supported by President Peter Pellegrini, who urged parents to consider vaccination as a proven medical tool to prevent future oncological diseases.

Health Minister Kamil Šaško noted that 2026 will be designated as the Year of Prevention. The Ministry of Education also joined the initiative, emphasizing the role of schools in improving health literacy and providing reliable information to help young people and parents make informed decisions.