HPV in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Implementation, Community Engagement and Equity in Cancer Prevention

Human papillomavirus (HPV) remains a leading cause of preventable cancers globally, with a disproportionate burden borne by low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite the availability of effective vaccines, screening tools, and treatment strategies, persistent inequities in access, awareness, and health system capacity continue to hinder progress toward cervical cancer elimination and broader HPV-related cancer control in these settings.This Research Topic aims to advance the understanding of context-specific strategies that improve HPV prevention and control across LMICs, with a particular focus on implementation science, community engagement, and health equity. We seek to explore how interventions can be effectively adapted, scaled, and sustained within resource-constrained environments, while addressing socio-cultural, economic, and structural determinants of healthWe welcome multidisciplinary contributions that examine innovative, evidence-based approaches to HPV vaccination, screening, early detection, and treatment, as well as policies and programs that promote equitable access to these services. Particular emphasis will be placed on community-driven interventions, stakeholder engagement, and culturally responsive strategies that enhance acceptability and uptake.Submissions may address, but are not limited to:1. Implementation Science for HPV Prevention and Control- Improving HPV vaccine uptake and coverage in LMICs- Integrating HPV services into primary healthcare systems- Scaling and sustaining screening programs (e.g., HPV DNA testing, self-sampling2. Community Engagement and Demand Generation- Role of community leaders, health workers, and civil society in raising HPV awareness- Addressing myths, stigma, and vaccine hesitancy- Gender, cultural, and religious influences on HPV-related health behaviors3. Equity and Access in Cancer Prevention- Reducing disparities in HPV service delivery among underserved populations- Reaching rural, low-income, and marginalized communities- Connecting HPV prevention with broader social determinants of health4. Policy, Health Systems, and Financing -National and sub-national policy frameworks for HPV control- Health system strengthening and workforce capacity building- Innovative financing models and partnerships5. Digital Health and Innovation- Mobile health (mHealth) and digital tools to improve service delivery- Data systems for tracking vaccination and screening coverage6. Special Populations and Contexts- HPV prevention among adolescents, men, and high-risk groups- Humanitarian settings and fragile health systems- School-based vs. community-based delivery modelsPlease note: manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics, computational analysis, or predictions of public databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent clinical or patient cohort, or biological validation in vitro or in vivo, which are not based on public databases) are not suitable for publication in this journal. Topic editors: Deborah Tolulope Esan, Carlos Ramos, Oluwadamilare Akingbade Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80274/hpv-in-low--and-middle-income-countries-implementation-community-engagement-and-equity-in-cancer-prevention