Medicana's Bold Plan to Combat Cervical Cancer in Türkiye

ISTANBUL, Türkiye – April 24, 2026 – As World Immunization Week kicks off, one of Türkiye’s largest private healthcare providers, Medicana Health Group, has launched an ambitious campaign to combat cervical cancer by targeting its primary cause: the human papillomavirus (HPV). The group has set an initial annual target of administering 25,000 HPV vaccinations, a significant move in a country where the vaccine is not yet part of the national immunization schedule.

The initiative, announced to align with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) theme “For every generation, vaccines work,” places Medicana at the forefront of a critical public health issue. By launching a large-scale vaccination and awareness drive, the group is stepping into a void left by national policy, aiming to bridge the gap between global health recommendations and local access.

A Private Solution to a Public Health Gap

Cervical cancer remains a formidable challenge to women's health globally. It stands as the fourth most common cancer among women, with the WHO attributing nearly all cases to persistent HPV infection. In 2022 alone, an estimated 660,000 new cases were diagnosed worldwide. Despite these stark figures and the availability of a highly effective preventive vaccine, uptake in Türkiye remains critically low.

Research indicates that as of 2022, a mere 1.2% of young women in Türkiye had received even a single dose of the HPV vaccine. The primary barrier is cost. Without inclusion in the national immunization program overseen by the Ministry of Health, the vaccine remains an out-of-pocket expense, placing it beyond the reach of many families. This financial hurdle has been a long-standing point of contention for public health advocates and medical associations, who have persistently called for universal, state-funded access.

Medicana’s campaign directly confronts this landscape. By committing to a large-scale program, it signals a new level of private sector engagement in preventive medicine. The initiative not only encourages the public but also the group's own staff to get vaccinated, positioning institutional support as a key driver for uptake.

To bolster the campaign's scientific credibility, Medicana recently hosted a conference titled “The Role of HPV Vaccination in the Prevention of Cervical Cancers.” The event featured prominent specialists, including Prof. Dr. Ahmet Göçmen, a Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist at Medicana Ataşehir Hospital, who detailed the direct link between HPV and cancer and the protective power of vaccination.

Beyond the Vaccine: A Strategy for Comprehensive Care

Medicana's leadership is clear that vaccination, while crucial, is only one piece of the puzzle. The campaign is built around a holistic “prevention-to-treatment continuum” that emphasizes the necessity of regular screening and early detection alongside immunization.

This integrated strategy mirrors the WHO’s global cervical cancer elimination framework, which sets ambitious targets for 2030: 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by age 15; 70% of women screened using a high-performance test by age 35 and again by 45; and 90% of women identified with cervical disease receiving treatment.

“Cervical cancer remains a significant global public health challenge, despite being largely preventable with the tools available today,” said Associate Professor Dr. Eylem Alıcı, Africa Regional Director of Medicana Health Group, in a statement. “Our approach is to build a comprehensive healthcare journey that extends from vaccination and screening to early diagnosis and treatment. Our goal is not only to treat the disease, but also to foster a sustainable culture of health awareness that helps prevent it from developing in the first place.”

This philosophy is embedded in the group’s services, which encourage individuals to utilize check-up packages that can include gynecological evaluations and other physician-recommended screenings. By bundling awareness of vaccination with the importance of regular medical follow-ups, the campaign aims to empower individuals to take a more proactive and comprehensive role in managing their long-term health.

The Business of Wellness and Global Ambition

While the public health implications are profound, the campaign also represents a savvy strategic move for Medicana Health Group. In Türkiye's competitive private healthcare market, which includes other major players like Acıbadem and Memorial groups, this large-scale initiative serves as a powerful differentiator. It positions Medicana not just as a provider of treatment, but as a leader in preventive health and wellness, potentially fostering stronger brand loyalty and attracting a new patient demographic focused on proactive care.

The campaign’s international dimension is also notable. With 19 hospitals across Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and serving over 5 million patients annually, Medicana is a major force in medical tourism. The prominent role of Dr. Eylem Alıcı as the group's Africa Regional Director underscores a strategic focus on expanding its international footprint. Launching a campaign that aligns with global WHO standards enhances the group’s international profile, making it a more attractive destination for patients from Africa and beyond who seek care that meets the highest international benchmarks.

By investing in prevention, Medicana is also investing in its global brand, signaling a commitment to continuity of care, women's health, and evidence-based medicine that resonates with an international audience.

The Crucial Question of Accessibility

Despite the campaign's ambitious scope and laudable goals, a critical question remains: accessibility. The press release does not detail the cost of the vaccine under this new initiative. Given that the HPV vaccine is not covered by Türkiye's national health insurance (SGK), the campaign's ultimate reach and equity will hinge on its price point.

If the cost remains a significant out-of-pocket expense, the program may primarily benefit more affluent populations or those with comprehensive private insurance, inadvertently widening the health equity gap that already exists. The success of reaching the 25,000-vaccination target will depend heavily on whether Medicana introduces subsidies, package deals, or other financial mechanisms to make the vaccine more affordable for the general public.

Medicana's initiative casts a bright spotlight on the ongoing debate over HPV prevention in Türkiye. It is a powerful demonstration of how the private sector can drive progress on public health goals. However, it also underscores the urgent need for a national policy solution to ensure that every individual, regardless of their economic status, has access to this life-saving preventive measure. By taking this bold step, Medicana is not only protecting thousands of individuals but is also challenging the status quo, potentially accelerating the conversation around universal HPV vaccine coverage in Türkiye.