The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention has announced a national strategy to vaccinate 90% of girls aged 13 to 14 against the human papillomavirus (HPV) by the year 2030.
This initiative is part of a broader national plan to combat HPV-related diseases and includes the vaccination of teenage boys, as well as regular cervical cancer screening for women aged 25 to 65. Women are advised to undergo a Pap smear test every three to five years for early detection of cervical cancer.
According to the National Cancer Registry, cervical cancer is the fifth most common cancer among women in the UAE. However, due to early preventive measures, its incidence remains below the global average.
The UAE was the first country in the Eastern Mediterranean region to introduce the HPV vaccine into its national immunization program in 2018. In 2023, boys aged 13 to 14 were also included to ensure wider community protection.
HPV vaccination is free of charge for Emirati citizens. For expats and foreign residents, the cost varies between AED 600 and AED 1,100 per dose depending on the healthcare provider.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised the UAE’s proactive steps and the Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to international goals and WHO’s strategy to eliminate cervical cancer.
