A new study presented at the Banjul International Scientific Conference on the margins of the OIC meeting has revealed important findings on the prevalence and genetic distribution of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) among women in The Gambia.

The presentation, delivered by Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist Fatoumatta Jarjusey, focused on cervical cancer risks and HPV infection patterns among women attending the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul.

Dr Jarjusey had said cervical cancer remains a major public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where late detection and limited screening continue to drive high mortality rates.

She had presented findings from a cross-sectional study involving 297 women, conducted between August and October 2024, which found an HPV prevalence of 10.4%.

According to her presentation, the most common high-risk HPV genotypes identified were HPV-52, HPV-58, HPV-18, HPV-35 and HPV-16, with HPV-52 and HPV-58 being the most dominant.

She had said the study also found that multiple sexual partnerships were the only factor significantly associated with HPV infection, while older women showed greater genotype diversity.

Dr Jarjusey had concluded that sexual behaviour remains a key driver of HPV transmission and stressed the importance of strengthening cervical cancer prevention strategies.

She had further recommended the introduction of the Gardasil-9 vaccine, noting that it could significantly improve protection against the most common high-risk HPV types identified in the country.

Health experts at the conference say the findings add to growing evidence supporting expanded screening and vaccination efforts as part of national cancer prevention programmes.

By Adama Makasuba