Celebrating the launch of the ReALiSE HPV vaccine effectiveness study in Fiji
05/10/2026
On 4 September, we celebrated the launch of an important new study investigating whether a single dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can provide long-lasting protection against HPV infection 17–18 years after vaccination.
Led by Fijian paediatrician and PhD researcher Dr Ilisapeci Vereti Tuibeqa, alongside Project Manager Tupou Ratu, the study builds on Fiji’s HPV vaccination campaign conducted in 2008–2009.
“The burden of cervical cancer in Fiji has remained high and is one of the highest in the world,” said Ratu.
The study will assess the long-term effectiveness of a single dose of the HPV vaccine compared with the traditional two-or-three-dose schedule. Evidence that a single dose provides lasting protection will add to the limited global evidence on the durability of vaccine protection and could have significant implications for immunisation programs by simplifying vaccine delivery, reducing logistical pressures and lowering costs.
For Ratu and the team, the research also has a deep local significance.
“We are a team of women who would like to bring about change in the lives of our fellow women in Fiji and across the Pacific, where very limited data is available,” she said.
“Due to the scarcity of health resources in Fiji and other low- and middle-income countries, cervical cancers are often detected at advanced stages when women are already symptomatic. Having evidence that a single dose of the HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting women from cervical cancer would be of great benefit to our communities and our country as a whole.”
Dr Tuibeqa highlighted the longstanding collaboration behind the study, noting that the team at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute has helped shape vaccine research and immunisation programs in Fiji over the past two decades.
The launch marks another milestone in the long-standing partnership between Fiji and Melbourne Children’s Global Health, bringing together local clinical expertise and specialist research support to generate evidence that can inform immunisation policy in Fiji and across the region.
Through her PhD, Dr Tuibeqa is also helping to strengthen research capacity in Fiji and support the next generation of Pacific health researchers. The study is being conducted in partnership with the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the Pacific Institute of Health Research, Fiji National University.
Congratulations to Dr Tuibeqa, Tupou Ratu and all our partners on the launch of this important study.
This research is supported by the Australian Government through the Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative.
#GlobalHealth #HPV #Vaccination #PacificHealth #ResearchPartnerships #CervicalCancerPrevention #DFAT
