• In Colombia, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women between 20 and 35 years of age.
• The vaccination program will initially be implemented in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Rionegro, and Bucaramanga, with a target of administering more than 50,000 doses.
• It represents the second-largest adult immunization initiative in Colombia's history, after the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

Medellín, September 2025. In Colombia, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women aged 20 to 35, largely driven by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This alarming reality exists within a regional context in which 16.1% of women in Latin America are living with chronic HPV infection, compared with a global average of 11.7%, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Recognizing the urgency of this challenge, VaxThera, in partnership with Seguros SURA, is launching the Personalized Prevention Program, a large-scale HPV vaccination initiative for adults.

As a Colombian biotechnology company, with Seguros SURA as its founding partner, VaxThera has developed this program in line with its purpose of transforming science, research, and development into tangible benefits that improve quality of life across Latin America. This initiative reflects that commitment by providing the Gardasil 9® vaccine free of charge to individuals covered by Seguros SURA's Global Health Insurance or Life Insurance policies, with the goal of transforming the landscape of HPV-related disease prevention in Colombia.

It is important to note that HPV can cause not only cervical cancer but also anogenital cancers, oropharyngeal cancers, and genital warts, affecting both men and women. Therefore, this comprehensive program aims to significantly improve people's health outcomes while reducing the considerable economic and social burden associated with these diseases.

The program is positioned as the largest adult HPV immunization effort in Colombia and Latin America, with a target of administering more than 50,000 doses. Although the country offers free vaccination for girls, boys, and adolescents under 18 years of age using the quadrivalent vaccine, coverage remains below 30%. This initiative therefore represents an opportunity for thousands of women and men to access essential HPV protection, directly contributing to reducing cancer incidence in Colombia and setting a milestone in preventive healthcare across the region.

"Driven by our commitment to those we love most, our daughters, sisters, mothers, and grandmothers, we have created a program that elevates HPV vaccination standards to new heights. Our purpose is clear: to build a safer future where prevention and protection are accessible to all women and young people. Because caring for them is caring for life itself." Juan Pablo Hernández, Vice President of VaxThera.

The Gardasil 9® vaccine, which will be administered through the program, is the only nonavalent vaccine currently available on the market. This means it provides protection against nine different HPV types, including those most strongly associated with cancer development, offering significantly broader and more effective protection than previous vaccines. Individuals who previously received monovalent, bivalent, or quadrivalent HPV vaccines are also encouraged to receive Gardasil 9® to expand their level of protection. Likewise, the vaccine is recommended for both men and women who have already been diagnosed with HPV.

The program will initially be rolled out in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Rionegro, and Bucaramanga. Individuals prioritized to receive this benefit will be contacted by Seguros SURA via email beginning in September.

Acerca de VaxThera

VaxThera is a biotechnology Colombian company dedicated to the research and development of biologics for the world. The company seeks to promote health sovereignty through research, development, and innovation in biotechnology and healthcare. VaxThera was created through the partnership between SURA and world-renowned researchers in biotechnology and human health. The company is led by a team with more than 30 years of experience in biologics research and development.

Press Contact:
Luisa María Alviar 
M. (+57) 3013969546 
luisam.alviar@bcw-global.com