Global Perspectives and Contributions to the Understanding of Human Papillomavirus and Associated Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

In high-income countries, significant advances have been made in the prevention and control of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, largely due to the implementation of organized vaccination and screening programs. These efforts have led to measurable reductions in HPV prevalence and related diseases, and the continued documentation of their long-term impact is essential to highlight their effectiveness and inform future public health strategies.

However, HPV remains a major public health concern in many other parts of the world, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), Africa, and parts of Asia. In these regions, HPV contributes to a high burden of cervical cancer and an increasing incidence of other HPV-associated malignancies, including oropharyngeal, anal, penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancers. While cervical cancer remains the most common and preventable HPV-related disease, oropharyngeal cancers, especially among men, are an emerging and often underrecognized challenge globally.

Despite the availability of effective vaccines and screening tools, barriers such as limited healthcare infrastructure, inequitable access, and low public awareness continue to hinder comprehensive HPV prevention and control, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, the co-endemicity of HIV in certain populations amplifies the risk and severity of HPV-related diseases.

This Special Issue invites contributions on all aspects of HPV infection and related diseases across diverse global settings. We welcome contributions focused on epidemiology, diagnostics, screening, clinical presentation, vaccination, and treatment, including studies from both high-income countries and regions where data are limited. In particular, submissions from Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as from countries with scarce HPV data, are strongly encouraged. By highlighting both successes and gaps, we aim to contribute to the shared goal of eliminating HPV-related cancers as a public health threat.

Dr. Anna Beltrame
Guest Editor

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