Human Papilloma virus project

Principal investigator: Demisew Amenu

Co-investigators:  Rahma Ali, Nega Jibat, Wondimagegn Adissu, Alemseged Abdissa, Gelila K Goba , Suzanne M. Garland , Nigisti Mulholland, Kim Mulholland

Background and objective

Cervical cancer was the second most common cancer in women globally and it is now fourth most common cancer among women globally. It is also the leading cause of cancer deaths in women in low-income countries. Human Papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted infection, and nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by this virus.

In Ethiopia, approximately 7,600 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and roughly 6,000 women die of the disease each year. Most of the women seek care at an advanced stage which makes the prognosis poor. Ethiopia is home to a growing population of 109 million and is expected to become the ninth most populous country in the world by 2050, with an expected parallel rise in cancer burden

Objectives

  1. HPV infection geno-prevalence, sexual attitudes and behavior among women Ethiopia
  2. Effectiveness and potential impact of HPV vaccine in Ethiopia
  3. Attitudes of young women and their families to cervical cancer, HPV and HPV vaccination in Ethiopia
  4. Describing the true cost of cervical cancer at community and family level in Ethiopia

Funding Source:
1. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
2. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation