PROTECT-EUROPE

PROTECT-EUROPE is aimed at protecting communities across the EU from preventable HPV-related cancers by empowering healthcare professionals and engaging young people and their families in informed vaccination decisions.

Secapp receives project funding from The European Union - Secapp

PROTECT-EUROPE is a focused public health initiative co-funded by the European Union under the EU4Health Programme, aligning with the strategic objectives of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. The project addresses a critical gap in cancer prevention: the suboptimal uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine across many EU Member States. HPV is a leading cause of cervical and other types of cancers, many of which are preventable through timely and complete vaccination.

Running from January 2023 to December 2024, and implemented across 21 EU countries, PROTECT-EUROPE aims to strengthen national and local vaccination programmes by equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge, communication skills, and confidence to promote HPV vaccination as a standard preventive measure.

At its core, the project recognises that increasing vaccination rates requires more than access to vaccines—it requires trusted communication, targeted community engagement, and supportive policy frameworks. Many young people and their caregivers remain hesitant or misinformed about the HPV vaccine. This project directly addresses these challenges by enhancing the ability of health professionals and public health bodies to engage effectively with their communities.

Main goals:

  • Increase HPV Vaccination Coverage Across Europe
    Achieve the EU target of >90% vaccination coverage for girls—and significantly increase vaccination rates for boys—by supporting national efforts.

  • Strengthen Communication Capacity of Healthcare Professionals
    Equip healthcare workers with the skills and tools to effectively address vaccine hesitancy and communicate the benefits of HPV vaccination to young people and their parents/carers.

  • Reduce Vaccine Hesitancy
    Tackle misinformation, fear, and lack of awareness through evidence-based communication strategies and community-focused outreach.

  • Support Member States and Civil Society
    Provide practical tools, training, and guidance to national health authorities and NGOs for the implementation and promotion of HPV vaccination programmes.

  • Embed HPV Vaccination into Health Education and Policy
    Integrate HPV-related knowledge into clinical training curricula and encourage the inclusion of HPV vaccination in long-term national immunisation plans.