Strategies

HPV cancers’ elimination strategy

Under the leadership of the Estonian Cancer Network, a strategic initiative has been launched for the elimination of HPV (human papillomavirus) related cancers. At the first roundtable of the strategic plan in September 2024, Estonian experts gave an overview of HPV-related cancers and the situation in Estonia.  HPV affects the entire Estonian population today. One in 26 cancers in Estonia is caused by HPV infection, which is preventable by vaccination. The need to address this issue in order to prevent cancer cases and cancer deaths was jointly recognized. It was decided to move forward with a strategy to eliminate HPV-related cancers in Estonia. The elimination of HPV cancers is currently also a focus of the EU.  

In December 2024, a second round table was held, where 32 stakeholders gathered their views on the actions needed to eliminate HPV-related cancers in a world café style discussion. Under the leadership of Kristina Seiman, Junior Research Fellow in Communication Studies at the University of Tartu and Baltic ID partner, and together with representatives from the Health Insurance Fund, the Health Board and the Ministry of Social Affairs, the results of the roundtable were analyzed and the first areas of focus were decided. The next roundtable of experts will take place in March 2025, which will also mark World HPV Awareness Day.