Women receiving opioid agonist therapy (OAT) in Ukraine have a unique opportunity to be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus. Thanks to international cooperation and support from Expertise France, the Alliance for Public Health (APH), and the Ukrainian network of women who use drugs “VONA”, a crucial step has been taken to protect the health of vulnerable women.
Why is this important?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and the leading cause of cervical cancer, as well as other oncological diseases. Gardasil-9 protects nine of the most dangerous HPV types, responsible for the majority of cancer cases.
Women who use drugs are particularly vulnerable to HPV due to several risk factors:
- Weakened immune system caused by the toxic effects of street drugs, chronic inflammation, and a high risk of HIV infection.
- Limited access to healthcare and prevention programs due to fear of stigma and discrimination.
- Increased risk of infection due to unprotected sexual contact.
This program is critically important for protecting the health of women receiving OAT.
First Steps in Vaccination
The first seven women have already received the Gardasil-9 vaccine, which is currently unavailable to the general public in Ukraine. An exception was made for the Alliance for Public Health, enabling the launch of this program.
A Life-Changing Initiative
The initiative is being implemented within the framework of the project “Gender-oriented medical and psychosocial services to women with opioid use disorders and female patients of opioid agonist treatment program” (CoMPSS) in the cities of Dnipro, Odesa, and Lviv.
The program is expanding, and vaccinations will soon be available for women in Kyiv and Kryvyi Rih.
Vaccination is the Best Protection Against HPV!
Together, we are taking another significant step toward preserving the health of the women who need it the most.