Scotland–China knowledge exchange on HPV vaccination and cervical screening

The full-day event, held on 14 October and co-hosted by Ting Shi, Senior Lecturer at the Usher Institute, and David Morrison, Director of the Scottish Cancer Registry at Public Health Scotland, highlighted national strategies to prevent and manage cervical cancer.

Participants included representatives from the University of Edinburgh, Public Health Scotland, the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, the China and Beijing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Southern University of Science and Technology, Peking University People’s Hospital, and Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital.

Speakers highlighted Scotland’s integrated approach to HPV vaccination and screening, showing how national data systems support effective monitoring and targeted strategies to reduce health inequalities. Chinese colleagues outlined progress in their national HPV vaccination programme, sharing perspectives on implementation and coverage across regions.

A shared theme throughout the day was the importance of using data to ensure equity — analysing vaccination uptake, coverage, and programme impact across population groups to inform targeted interventions.

The event strengthened collaboration between Scotland and China and contributed to global efforts to eliminate cervical cancer through evidence-based, population-wide approaches.