BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer ranks fourth amongst the commonest malignancies worldwide and the second most prevalent cancer afflicting women in low-to-middle income countries (LMICs), hence, of great public health importance. LMICs are the most affected regions as evidenced by their high prevalence of the disease. Mortality associated with cervical neoplasms is preventable through the implementation of recommended preventive approaches.

AIMS: This review aimed to appraise evidence on the cost effectiveness of cervical cancer prevention interventions in LMICs involving cervical screening and human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination programmes.

METHODS: A search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science was elicited and studies published between 1st January 2008 and 31st December 2018 were retrieved. Two authors independently undertook the screening, review, selection of studies, and data extraction with disagreements being resolved through discussion and consensus.

RESULTS: Twelve studies were selected. The cost-effectiveness outcomes of HPV vaccination and screening interventions are dependent on age, screening method used, intervention coverage, and the number of doses or visits required for vaccination and screening, respectively. A combination of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) screening and HPV vaccination appears to be the most cost-effective approach in reducing the lifetime risk for HPV-linked cervical neoplasms. Similarly, vaccination as a stand-alone intervention is potentially cost effective provided the coverage is maintained between 70 and 100%.

CONCLUSIONS: HPV vaccination and screening interventions may be cost effective in LMICs and potentially reduce the lifetime risk, economic burden, and associated mortality. However, it is important to consider the factors that influence the cost effectiveness of cervical cancer prevention interventions for better outcomes to be realised.