Gates Foundation funds digital tool for HPV education in Africa

AFRICA – A new mobile game backed by the Gates Foundation is being tested to help raise awareness about human papillomavirus (HPV) and its link to cervical cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

The software company Psyon, known for its health-focused games, is leading the project.

The pilot study will assess how well a game can educate people about the risks of HPV infection and encourage vaccination.

Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide, with 90% of fatalities occurring in LMICs.

However, HPV vaccination can prevent most cases. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of cervical HPV, making it a key focus area for this initiative.

Psyon, based in Helsinki, Finland, is developing the game to be both entertaining and educational, ensuring it is accessible in multiple languages.

The company has a strong track record in health-related games, having previously developed Antidote COVID-19, the only COVID-19-themed game approved by WHO, Apple, and Google during the pandemic.

Psyon also partnered with Takeda on FULL ADHD, a game that raises awareness of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Psyon’s founder and CEO, Olli Rundgren, emphasized the unique potential of gaming in health education. “This collaboration combines global health expertise with innovative game design to tackle HPV vaccination barriers,” he said.

“By merging behavioral science with interactive design, we plan to create a tool that amplifies HPV vaccination awareness in ways traditional campaigns cannot.”

Rundgren believes games can reach more people than traditional awareness campaigns, as they are played by billions worldwide.

“Our mission is to create the most impactful vaccine awareness tool ever, increasing campaign effectiveness by 10–30 times compared to traditional methods,” he added.

Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved six HPV vaccines, including MSD’s Gardasil, which protects against HPV types 16 and 18—responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases—as well as anogenital warts. These vaccines have been proven highly effective.

The feasibility study is expected to conclude by mid-2025. If successful, Psyon plans to seek additional funding for the full-scale game.

The project will involve public health organizations, NGOs, governments, educators, community leaders, parents, and healthcare providers to maximize impact.