Overview of CHIC symposia series: Summary of Africa and South Asia symposia.

This article presents an overview of the main challenges and lessons learned that were presented during the symposia organized by the Coalition to Strengthen the HPV Immunization Community (CHIC) in Africa and South Asia in 2022. Discussions at these meetings revolved around introduction, planning, implementation, and sustainability of HPV prevention and control programmes, with a particular focus in HPV immunisation, as well as cervical cancer screening in South Asian countries. This article also discusses the recently endorsed off-label single-dose HPV vaccination schedule and its potential impact on programme delivery and access. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of intersectional collaboration, effective communication and advocacy strategies, and the need for robust health information systems. Some of the critical factors identified for reducing the burden of cervical cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) included strategies for increasing access and coverage, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and building capacity among health care providers. The symposia emphasized the importance of face-to-face interactions for collaboration and decision making, with live translation services enabling full participation by stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. The paper concludes with a call for continued collaboration to make progress in reducing the burden of cervical cancer in LMICs.
Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Emilie Karafillakis reports financial support was provided by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Ana Bolio reports financial support was provided by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Alex Vorsters reports financial support was provided by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Emmanuel Njambe Tondo Opute reports a relationship with World Health Organization that includes: employment. Emilie Karafillakis reports a relationship with Janssen Pharmaceutica NV that includes: funding grants. Emilie Karafillakis reports a relationship with Astra Zeneca that includes: funding grants. Emilie Karafillakis reports a relationship with Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited that includes: funding grants. Emilie Karafillakis reports a relationship with GlaxoSmithKlein that includes: funding grants. Nelly Mugo reports a relationship with Merck & Co Inc that includes: funding grants. Alex Vorsters reports a relationship with GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA that includes: funding grants. Alex Vorsters reports a relationship with Merck that includes: funding grants. Alex Vorsters reports a relationship with Roche Diagnostics Corp that includes: funding grants. Alex Vorsters reports a relationship with Becton Dickinson and Company that includes: funding grants. Alex Vorsters reports a relationship with Hologic Inc that includes: funding grants.
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