Featured Research/ Findings

On 12–13 June, the General Assembly – Final Meeting of the EU4Health-funded project “The PartnERship to Contrast HPV (PERCH)” took place in Rome at the Istituto Superiore di Sanità. Senior expert from the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic, Daniela Kállayová, presented the development and current situation of HPV vaccination in Slovakia. Slovakia made a significant contribution through its active participation in the PERCH project.

The presentation outlined the key policy measures implemented, such as the introduction of full reimbursement for the HPV vaccine for children aged 12 to 14—covering both girls and boys. It also presented vaccination coverage rates by birth cohort and gender. The important role of the National HPV Coalition of Partners was emphasized, particularly in supporting coordination, ensuring unified communication, and strengthening public confidence in vaccination.

Communication materials and the results of a survey on HPV awareness and vaccination were also presented. The conclusions highlighted that, despite notable progress, significant challenges persist in achieving higher vaccination coverage—especially among marginalized groups.

It was noted that limited stakeholder engagement within the coalition hindered the implementation of all planned activities. The importance of vaccination and screening as integral components of Slovakia’s National Cancer Plan 2021–2025 and the forthcoming 2026–2030 cancer plan—was emphasized. The PERCH project was recognized as especially valuable for fostering experience-sharing and promoting learning through practical involvement.

Authors

Natália Ballová, Daniela Kállayová, The Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic, Slovakia

For more information, visit https://www.projectperch.eu/eu4health-projects-on-hpv-final-results-whats-the-next/