The World Health Organization (WHO) warmly congratulates China on its landmark decision to introduce the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into the national immunization programme - a life-saving measure that will protect millions of girls and women from cervical cancer.
Starting 10 November 2025, free, two doses of bivalent HPV vaccination (administered 6 months apart) will be rolled out across China for girls born on or after 10 November 2011 who have reached 13 years of age. This marks a historic milestone in the country’s efforts to prevent cervical cancer and promote women’s health.
Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be eliminated, thanks to safe and effective vaccines, screening, and treatment. Yet China continues to carry a heavy burden, with 151,000 new cases and 56,000 deaths reported in 2022 - nearly one in five cases worldwide.
“This is a breakthrough for women’s health in China and a powerful boost to global momentum to end cervical cancer,” said Mr Martin Taylor, WHO Representative in China. “By protecting its next generation of girls through HPV vaccination, China is bringing the world closer to making cervical cancer a disease of the past.”
WHO recommends HPV vaccination for girls aged 9–14 years, as vaccination before exposure to the virus provides the best protection and is the most cost-effective strategy to prevent cervical cancer. Evidence from many countries shows that introducing HPV vaccine at an early adolescent age dramatically reduces infections and precancerous lesions.
The launch of free HPV vaccination for 13-year-old girls in China is therefore a major step toward this goal, laying a strong foundation for future expansion of protection to reach more adolescents.
“China’s leadership in introducing HPV vaccination nationwide sets an example for the region and the world,” said Mr Taylor, “We look forward to working together to broaden protection so that every girl can benefit from this life-saving vaccine.”
This milestone builds on China’s broader commitment to the Healthy China 2030 vision and the Action Plan to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer (2023–2030). It also directly advances WHO’s Global Strategy to Eliminate Cervical Cancer, which calls for 90% of girls to be fully vaccinated by the age of 15, 70% of women screened, and 90% of women with cervical disease treated.
WHO is working closely with national authorities to support the effective implementation of the HPV vaccination programme - including communication and community engagement, training of health workers, and evaluation of programme outcomes - in line with international best practices.
“China’s action shows what is possible when science, political will, and public health come together,” said Mr Taylor. “WHO is proud to support this historic step and will continue working with China to ensure every girl has the opportunity for a healthier future, free from cervical cancer.”