ABOUT THE INITIATIVE

The IPVS Country Chapters provides a framework for professionals within a country to unite under the IPVS umbrella and work collaboratively toward the elimination of papillomavirus-related diseases. Chapters act as national platforms for education, outreach, policy support, and implementation of HPV screening and vaccination programs, aligned with IPVS’ mission and scientific standards.

 

HOW IT BEGAN

Recognizing the growing need for stronger local engagement in HPV education, prevention, and advocacy, the International Papillomavirus Society developed the Country Chapters initiative to support national-level action led by IPVS members. Early interest from members seeking to organize coordinated HPV activities in their own countries laid the foundation for this program.

The first successful effort emerged in Ghana, where members came together to establish the IPVS Ghana Chapter. Their early accomplishments demonstrated the impact that locally driven, scientifically guided initiatives could have, motivating IPVS to formalize the Country Chapters concept and open the opportunity to members worldwide.

ELIGIBILITY

The opportunity to form a Chapter is open to all current IPVS members, regardless of country. Applications may be submitted by:

• Individual members
• Groups of members within the same country
• Multi-country groups wishing to establish a joint Chapter

Application process

STEP 1: Members considering establishing a chapter should read through the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for IPVS Country Chapters. They can be accessed here.
STEP 2: Members interested in establishing a chapter should contact the IPVS Office at info@ipvsoc.org. Once membership is confirmed, a link to the application form will be sent to you
STEP 3: Review process among IPVS Country Chapters Committee – timeline: 4 weeks, may include questions to the applicant
STEP 4: Notification with decision of Committee sent to applicant

Additional useful information for applicants

• It is not a requirement for the chapter to be a legally registered entity. However, based on the experience of other chapters, registering the chapter helps with legitimacy, especially when dealing with local authorities and partners.

• An IPVS Country Chapter must have a lead, acting as the liaison with IPVS. The lead of IPVS Country Chapter may be the IPVS Country Ambassador. If not, the lead should at a minimum be a member of IPVS and a scientist, researcher, or clinician with a professional interest in HPV and HPV-related diseases.

• The structure and responsibilities of the chapters are detailed in the terms of reference, as well as the support provided by IPVS.