Russia introduces mandatory HPV testing for young women
HPV testing to be included in the first stage of free medical check-ups for women aged between 21 and 49
21.01.2026
Article published on the ASI website
Quoting an official document, TASS are reporting that testing for the high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is now included in a reproductive health-screening programme and covered under their mandatory medical insurance policy.
In the event of a positive result, patients will undergo an additional liquid oncocytology test, which will help in the early detection of precancerous changes so that treatment can begin.
The human papillomavirus is widespread across Russia. According to the World Health Organisation, 50%-80% of the population has the HPV virus, but only 5% to 10% of them have clinical symptoms.
HPV is considered to be the leading cause of cervical cancer, as well as a number of other oncological illnesses in men and women. Thus far, vaccination against the virus has generally been available on a payment basis.
At the end of last year, Sergey Leonov, Chair of the Duma’s Health Protection Committee, announced that an HPV vaccine is expected to be included in the National Immunisation Schedule as early as 2027. Furthermore, last October, the pharmaceutical company Nanolek, with support from the Industry Development Fund, launched the first large-scale production of the vaccine in Russia.
