Strategies for Health Interventions to Eliminate Infection‑Related Cancers Joint Action
The EU4Health funded Joint Action SHIELD aims to advance prevention of infection related cancers through vaccination and other prevention strategies!
Preventing cancers caused by infections across Europe
The Joint Action supports EU and associated countries to decrease premature morbidity and mortality caused by communicable diseases, in particular cancers caused by infections and vaccine preventable cancers, with a strong focus on equity, stigma reduction, and effective prevention strategies.
Targeting the infections behind preventable cancers
Certain infections can lead to cancer if they are not prevented, detected early, or properly treated. SHIELD promotes a comprehensive approach to reducing infection-related cancers across Europe focusing on:
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Tuberculosis (TB)
SHIELD addresses these infections through an integrated approach, recognising their interconnected (syndemic) nature rather than treating them separately.
SHIELD brings together 69 partners from 25 European countries
Including public health institutes, research organisations, healthcare providers and policymakers. Coordinated by the Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections (CHIP) in Denmark, the consortium combines expertise from across Europe to strengthen prevention strategies.
From evidence to action
SHIELD combines research, public health expertise and policy collaboration to design and implement effective strategies to prevent cancers caused by infections across Europe.
SHIELD supports the implementation of the EU Council Recommendation on vaccine-preventable cancers and the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.
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Analyse data on infections, vaccination and barriers
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Model optimal prevention strategies for different national contexts
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Test and adapt good practices with countries and communities
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Embed results into national policies and programmes
Latest News
SHIELD JA launches webinar series
The SHIELD Joint Action has launched its webinar series, creating a platform for knowledge-sharing and discussion on infection-related and vaccine-preventable cancer prevention across Europe.
July 14, 2026
New interview spotlight on the SHIELD Joint Action
In an interview with Vaccines Today, JA SHIELD Coordinator Dorthe Raben shared how the Joint Action is bringing together 69 organisations from 25 European countries to strengthen the prevention of infection-related cancers.
July 14, 2026
SHIELD Joint Action officially launched 15-16 December 2025 – Copenhagen, Denmark
The JA SHIELD Joint Action officially launched on 15–16 December 2025 with a kick-off meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, bringing together 69 organisations from 25 European countries!
July 14, 2026