Introduction/Background Cervical cancer is the third most prevalent gynecological cancer in Tunisia. Every year, 300 new cases and up to 150 related deaths are reported. Three quarters of those cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Given the well-established association between HPV and cervical cancer, WHO recommends screening programs and HPV vaccination.

Methodology Studies conducted in Tunisia until 2022 were collected using two systematic searches on PubMed with ‘HPV AND Tunisia’ and ‘HPV vaccine AND Tunisia’. Results were then analysed.

Results This review included 64 and 18 studies dealing respectively with HPV and HPV vaccine in Tunisia. Many HPV genotypes were detected among Tunisian women with cervical cancer, namely HPV35, 45, 58, 59, 40, 66, 73 and 82. Multiple infections mixing type 2 and 4 genotypes were also described. HPV16 and 18 were the most prevalent, and general HPV prevalence was of 7.8% with a peak under the age of 30 and another over 50. While HPV18 was the most oncogenic genotype, identified HPV infection risk factors were mainly sexual behaviors and socioeconomic status. Despite the availability of two bivalent HPV vaccines in the private sector, its uptake has been low due to the lack of awareness, the high cost of the vaccine, and other vaccines being prioritised. Fostering Tunisian women’s knowledge around HPV was suggested to drive forward the national cervical cancer preventive programme, which was established in 2000 to screen women between the age of 35 and 65.

Conclusion HPV vaccine uptake by the age of 15, with a vaccination coverage of at least 50% nationally, would significantly decrease the prevalence of oncogenic HPV types. Introducing the vaccine into the Tunisian national immunisation programme is thus key to reducing the burden of cervical cancer. To facilitate vaccine acceptability and uptake, integrated educational programmes about HPV and its vaccine are also essential.

Disclosures The author works as a consultant in Global Health Strategies, which is an advocacy company that promotes prevention efforts towards the elimination of cervical cancer.