Sinead Tuite
Vaccines Business Lead, MSD Ireland
Raising awareness about human papillomavirus (HPV) is essential to reduce the prevalence and harm of HPV-related cancers and diseases, ensuring a healthier future for everyone.
In Ireland, over 190 people lose their lives annually because of HPV-related cancers.1 Despite its prevalence, awareness about HPV and its potential to cause various cancers remains low. Research by Ipsos MRBI for MSD Ireland in 2023 showed that a third of Irish people have ‘no awareness’ that vaccines may prevent certain cancers, and three-quarters of people (76%) think it is ‘unlikely’ that they have ever had HPV, despite its commonality.3
Prevalence of HPV-related cancers and diseases
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal or oral sex.4 While most HPV infections resolve on their own within two years, some can persist and lead to serious health issues, including cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus and penis.4 In Ireland, HPV-associated cancers account for nearly 3% of all invasive cancers, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer.1 This figure rises to 7% among young adults aged 20– 49 years.1 Anogenital warts, caused by HPV types 6 and 11, are another significant concern, with approximately 1,000 cases reported annually in Ireland.2
The impact of HPV on cervical cancer
is particularly significant, with 99%
of cervical cancer cases attributed to HPV.
Cervical cancer elimination
The impact of HPV on cervical cancer is particularly significant, with 99% of cervical cancer cases attributed to HPV.5 In Ireland alone, there are an estimated 250 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed each year, resulting in around 80 deaths.1 The World Health Organization (WHO) launched a global initiative in 2020 to eliminate cervical cancer by focusing on prevention through HPV vaccination, screening and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions.6
Ireland has aligned with this global strategy by launching its Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan,7 setting a target to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 by aiming to vaccinate 90% of girls by age 15, screen 80% of eligible individuals with an HPV test every five years and treat 97% of women with cervical disease within one year.7
Need to address remaining challenges
This ambitious plan represents a significant milestone, but challenges remain. Even though Ireland’s vaccination rate is relatively high compared to some other countries, 78.4% for the 2022/2023 academic year,8 the vaccination rate has been declining for the past three years8 and is still far from the 90% target outlined in the plan.7 It is crucial to expand HPV education and awareness, particularly among marginalised or harder-to-reach groups. By focusing on these communities, we can reduce the burden and harm of all HPV-related cancers and pave the way for a healthier future for Ireland.
[1] NCRI. 2024. HPV – Associated Cancers. Cancer Trends Report, Key findings.
[2] Ano-genital warts in Ireland 2018 (includes latest trends).pdf (hpsc.ie)
[3] MSD, MSD Data on File 2023. The research was commissioned by MSD Ireland and carried out by Ipsos B&A on a sample population of 1,400 adults in Ireland. 2023.
[4] CDC. 2024. About HPV. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/about/index.html (Accessed March 2025)
[5] WHO. 2025. Cervical Cancer. https://www.who.int/health-topics/cervical-cancer#tab=tab_1 (Accessed March 2025)
[6] WHO. 2020. Global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem.
[7] HSE. Ireland’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan – Strategic Vision 2025 – 2040, Action Plan 2025-2030.
[8] HSE. 2024. HSE School Vaccination Programme HPV, Tdap, MenC/MenACWY Uptake Data up to 2022/2023.
