In a startling revelation, a recent study has unveiled a staggering truth that more than 31 Lakh women in Bangladesh stand perilously exposed to high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. This alarming figure accounts for a whopping 3.6% of the female population, who comprised a staggering 50.4% of the total population of the country in 2022!

This eye-opening statistic serves as a jolting wake-up call, underscoring the pressing need for immediate action to safeguard the health and well-being of women across Bangladesh. With such a significant portion of the population at risk, heightened awareness and robust preventative measures are absolutely imperative.

Researchers from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University conducted a cross-sectional study from July 2021 to June 2022. They collected cervical samples from 3,856 women aged 30–49 years attending cervical cancer screening at 16 centres across eight districts and eight sub-districts. The study utilized real-time PCR amplification for HPV testing.

Results revealed an overall prevalence of high-risk HPV at 3.6%. Specifically, 1.3% of women tested positive for HPV16, 0.3% for HPV18, and 1.7% for other high-risk HPV genotypes. Significant variations were observed among different divisions, with rural Sylhet reporting the highest infection rate at 7.1% and rural Mymensingh the lowest at 0.5%. Notably, no significant difference was found in HPV prevalence between urban and rural women, except in Mymensingh.

The study, published in Cancer Screening and Prevention, underscores the importance of tailored approaches for cervical cancer screening. Regions with higher HPV prevalence, such as Sylhet, Barishal, and Dhaka, require focused attention in planning larger implementation research. Additionally, as screening methods evolve, equal emphasis should be placed on both rural and urban populations to ensure comprehensive coverage.

The findings also highlight the need to target older women for screening, as there is a rebound in high-risk HPV prevalence among this demographic. By addressing these disparities and implementing targeted screening strategies, Bangladesh aims to mitigate the burden of cervical cancer and improve women's health outcomes.

The findings of this study demand urgent attention from policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public alike. It's high time to prioritize women's health and take proactive steps to combat the looming threat of HPV infections. The future of millions of women in Bangladesh hangs in the balance, and decisive action is the need of the hour!

For more detailed information, the full text of the study can be accessed here