Evidence-informed guidance for the implementation of HPV-based cervical cancer screening programmes
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World Health Organization
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viii, 60 p.
This guidance supports countries in implementing human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA-based cervical cancer screening programmes in line with WHO recommendations and the global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. It addresses the challenges of transitioning from visual inspection with acetic acid or cytology-based screening to HPV-based screening by presenting evidence-informed implementation strategies that strengthen programme adoption, service delivery, sustainability and scale-up. Developed through systematic reviews, qualitative interviews with programme stakeholders, evidence from multinational implementation initiatives and WHO consultations, the guidance applies implementation science and systems thinking to identify practical approaches for different health system contexts. The document organizes implementation strategies across health system, health-care provider and community levels, focusing on four key implementation outcomes: adoption of WHO recommendations, uptake of screening and treatment services, retention of women who screen positive throughout the continuum of care, and long-term sustainability and expansion of programmes. It also considers implementation for women living with HIV and provides indicators together with a planning and documentation tool to support the selection, monitoring and evaluation of implementation strategies. By facilitating systematic documentation of implementation experiences, the guidance aims to strengthen the evidence base for implementation research and accelerate progress towards equitable, effective and sustainable HPV-based cervical cancer screening programmes.
This guidance supports countries in implementing human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA-based cervical cancer screening programmes in line with WHO recommendations and the global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. It addresses the challenges of transitioning from visual inspection with acetic acid or cytology-based screening to HPV-based screening by presenting evidence-informed implementation strategies that strengthen programme adoption, service delivery, sustainability and scale-up. Developed through systematic reviews, qualitative interviews with programme stakeholders, evidence from multinational implementation initiatives and WHO consultations, the guidance applies implementation science and systems thinking to identify practical approaches for different health system contexts. The document organizes implementation strategies across health system, health-care provider and community levels, focusing on four key implementation outcomes: adoption of WHO recommendations, uptake of screening and treatment services, retention of women who screen positive throughout the continuum of care, and long-term sustainability and expansion of programmes. It also considers implementation for women living with HIV and provides indicators together with a planning and documentation tool to support the selection, monitoring and evaluation of implementation strategies. By facilitating systematic documentation of implementation experiences, the guidance aims to strengthen the evidence base for implementation research and accelerate progress towards equitable, effective and sustainable HPV-based cervical cancer screening programmes.
Keywords
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms, Mass Screening, Human Papillomavirus DNA Tests, Early Detection of Cancer, Health Plan Implementation, Implementation Science, Delivery of Health Care, Program Evaluation, Health Services Accessibility, Health Policy, HIV Infections, Women, Guideline, prevention and control, organization and administration, methods, standards