RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta — Every year on March 4, the world observes International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Awareness Day as a global effort to raise awareness about HPV infection and its impact on public health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) data in 2022, approximately 99 percent of cervical cancer cases are linked to persistent HPV infection.

WHO reports that cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, with hundreds of thousands of new cases recorded annually. The majority of cervical cancer-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where access to vaccination and screening services remains limited.

In Indonesia, cervical cancer ranks as the second most common cancer among women. WHO data in 2024 indicates that the country records around 36,000 new cases each year, with more than 21,000 deaths. Furthermore, approximately 70 percent of new cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, significantly reducing survival rates and increasing the risk of complications.

To address this challenge, since 2023 the Indonesian government has set a target of ensuring that 90 percent of girls are protected against HPV by 2030. The HPV vaccine has been gradually integrated into the national immunization program, primarily targeting elementary school-aged girls as a preventive measure before potential exposure to the virus.

Beyond vaccination, the government continues to strengthen screening programs through Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) and Pap smear examinations. Since 2025, the expansion of HPV DNA testing has been implemented nationwide as a more sensitive and accurate screening method. The Ministry of Health reports that by 2025, approximately 660,000 women had undergone HPV screening as part of the national strategy to enhance cervical cancer prevention.

Despite ongoing efforts, several challenges persist, including limited healthcare access in certain regions, low health literacy, and stigma surrounding reproductive health issues. Continuous public education is therefore essential to increase community participation in prevention and early detection programs.

In line with WHO’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer, Indonesia remains committed to strengthening HPV prevention and control measures. International HPV Awareness Day serves as an important reminder to reinforce national commitment to safeguarding future generations from the burden of cervical cancer.