WHO Study Highlights Global Vaccination Gaps and Cancer Prevention Challenges
A recent study by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency on Research on Cancer (IARC) has revealed significant gaps in global vaccination coverage, particularly in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. The study, published in Nature Medicine, indicates that over 7 million cancer cases in 2022 were preventable, with nearly 40% linked to modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and infections like HPV. Despite the availability of effective HPV vaccines, vaccine hesitancy and limited access to healthcare resources contribute to high rates of cervical cancer in these regions. In contrast, countries like Australia have nearly eradicated cervical cancer due to high vaccination rates. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities and improve cancer prevention globally. 
