• An illustration by Mariaelena Caputi of a syringe that is the pole of a public announcement speaker.
  • An illustration by Mariaelena Caputi of a syringe that is the pole of a public announcement speaker.

Falling off a cliff

HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) is an unwelcome consequence of a joyful pursuit. In Britain HPV causes about 3,500 cases of cervical cancer each year and 900 deaths. A vaccination programme that inoculates against the virus—once a runaway success—is floundering. Blame declining confidence, a lack of convenience and rising complacency. How can it be brought back to success?

  • An illustration by Mariaelena Caputi of a syringe that is the pole of a public announcement speaker.
  • An illustration by Mariaelena Caputi of a syringe that is the pole of a public announcement speaker.

Falling off a cliff

HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) is an unwelcome consequence of a joyful pursuit. In Britain HPV causes about 3,500 cases of cervical cancer each year and 900 deaths. A vaccination programme that inoculates against the virus—once a runaway success—is floundering. Blame declining confidence, a lack of convenience and rising complacency. How can it be brought back to success?