The National Academy of Medicine warns about the low level of HPV vaccination in Colombia.

The National Academy of Medicine and the Colombian League Against Cancer express their concern about the low vaccination coverage against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Colombia .

As of May 2025, only 18% of girls and 14% of boys aged 9 have received the HPV vaccine, figures that seriously compromise the progress made in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers.

"HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer and other types of cancer, including vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancer. It is, therefore, a public health problem whose prevention must be addressed in a comprehensive, equitable, and sustained manner," these associations stated in a statement.

Furthermore, they emphasize that timely vaccination, together with regular screening and appropriate treatment of precancerous lesions, constitutes a cost-effective strategy that has

proven worldwide, its ability to substantially reduce the incidence and mortality from these types of cancer .

"We call on the National Government, departmental and municipal health departments, healthcare professionals, educational institutions, parents, and caregivers to join forces to restore and expand HPV vaccination coverage in Colombia," they conclude.