# HPV vaccine policy debate in Turkey

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hpv-vaccine-policy-debate-in-turkey
> Updated: 2026-08-26T16:30:50.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

A debate has emerged in Turkey regarding the necessity and accessibility of the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention.

Medical experts have emphasized that nearly 99 percent of cervical cancers are linked to high-risk HPV types, stressing the importance of regular screenings. This scientific perspective has clashed with political discourse after Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu suggested the vaccine might not be necessary in Turkey due to local HPV profiles. Political figures have countered this by citing studies that link high vaccination rates to decreased mortality.

In response to the government’s stance, the Women’s Solidarity Committees (KDK) organized a protest at the Turkish Ministry of Health. The group is demanding that the HPV vaccine be included in the national immunization schedule free of charge, accusing the government of prioritizing pharmaceutical interests over public health. Protesters highlighted that over 1,000 women die annually from HPV-related cervical cancer in the country and noted that previous indications of vaccine studies have not yet resulted in a public program.

## Claims

- The KDK is demanding that the HPV vaccine be included in the national immunization schedule free of charge. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu stated that there is no need for the HPV vaccine. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- More than 2,000 women in Turkey are diagnosed with cervical cancer due to HPV infection every year. (single source)
- Over 1,000 women die annually from cervical cancer in Turkey. (single source)
- Former Health Minister Fahrettin Koca previously stated in 2022 that studies were being conducted regarding HPV vaccines. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Women's Solidarity Committees protest for free HPV vaccines in Turkey

The Women's Solidarity Committees protested at Turkey's Ministry of Health, demanding free HPV vaccines following statements by Minister Kemal Memişoğlu regarding the vaccine's necessity.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/womens-solidarity-committees-protest-for-free-hpv-vaccines-in-turkey

### 2026-08-17: HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention debated in Turkey

Medical experts and political leaders in Turkey are debating HPV vaccination and the necessity of regular screenings to prevent cervical cancer, citing scientific evidence of the vaccine's efficacy.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hpv-vaccination-and-cervical-cancer-prevention-debated-in-turkey

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Cite as: HPV vaccine policy debate in Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hpv-vaccine-policy-debate-in-turkey