First AI Law Passed in the World: The European Union’s AI Act (2024)
Name of the Law:
Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act)
Passed by:
European Union (EU) Date Passed: March 13, 2024 (formally approved) Adopted in June 2024
Significance:
This is the world’s first comprehensive legal framework to regulate
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
It sets global standards for safe and ethical AI development and
use.
Categorizes AI into risk-based levels:
o Unacceptable risk (banned)
o High-risk (strict rules)
o Limited risk (transparency requirements)
o Minimal risk (free use)
Cervical cancer is a significant global health concern, affecting millions of women each year. It’s primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18. Fortunately, advances in medical science have led to the development of effective vaccines that can prevent this devastating disease.
What is HPV and How Does it Cause Cervical Cancer?
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection with over 200 strains, including high-risk types 16 and 18, responsible for 70% of cervical cancers. The virus can cause abnormal changes in the cervix, leading to cancer development. HPV infection peaks in young adults, but most cases resolve spontaneously. Persistent infection increases with age, emphasizing the importance of early vaccination.
Cervical Cancer Prevention Vaccines
There are currently three licensed HPV vaccines: Gardasil, Cervarix, and Gardasil 9. These vaccines can prevent up to 90% of cervical cancers caused by HPV types 16 and 18. They work by stimulating the body’s immune system to produce antibodies that can recognize and fight off the HPV types that cause cervical cancer.
Types of Cervical Cancer Prevention Vaccines:
Gardasil (Quadrivalent HPV Vaccine)
Protects against 4 HPV types: 6, 11, 16, and 18
HPV 6 and 11 cause 90% of genital warts cases
HPV 16 and 18 cause 70% of cervical cancers
Recommended for:
Girls and women aged 9-26 years
Boys and men aged 9-26 years (for prevention of genital warts and anal cancer)
Dosage: 2-3 doses, depending on age and health status
Cervarix (Bivalent HPV Vaccine)
Protects against 2 HPV types: 16 and 18
– These two types cause 70% of cervical cancers
Recommended for:
Girls and women aged 9-25 years
Boys and men are not the primary target group, but it may be used in some cases
Dosage: 2-3 doses, depending on age and health status
Gardasil 9 (Nonavalent HPV Vaccine)
Protects against 9 HPV types: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58
These 9 types cause:
90% of genital warts cases (HPV 6 and 11)
90% of cervical cancers (HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58)
Recommended for:
Girls and women aged 9-45 years
Boys and men aged 9-45 years (for prevention of genital warts, anal cancer, and other HPV-related diseases)
Dosage: 2-3 doses, depending on age and health status
All three vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective in preventing HPV-related diseases. The choice of vaccine may depend on factors like age, health status, and individual risk factors. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Benefits of Cervical Cancer Prevention Vaccines
Prevent up to 90% of cervical cancers caused by HPV types covered by the vaccines
Prevent other cancers and diseases caused by HPV, such as anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers
Reduce transmission of HPV in the population
Safe and effective, with extensive testing and monitoring
