Project Overview

SHIELD (Strategies for Health Interventions to Eliminate Infection‑Related Cancers) is a Joint Action co‑funded by the European Union under the EU4Health Programme, dedicated to reducing cancers caused by preventable and treatable infections.

Through targeted action on HPV, viral hepatitis, HIV and tuberculosis, SHIELD supports European and global efforts to eliminate these diseases as public health threats by 2030. It contributes to Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and promotes the implementation of the Council Recommendation on vaccine‑preventable cancers.

Granting Authority

European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) EU4Health Programme

Timeframe

36 months: 1 Nov 2025 – 31 Oct 2028

Budget

EU contribution: € 25 Mio

20% Own contribution

Background

Around one in eight cancer cases in Europe is linked to an infection, including human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C (HBV/HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and tuberculosis (TB). These cancers are largely preventable through a combination of vaccination, screening, testing, early treatment, and equitable access to healthcare services. However, uptake of these interventions remains uneven — particularly among vulnerable and underserved populations.

SHIELD addresses this gap by supporting countries to design, implement, monitor, and sustain integrated biomedical prevention programmes, while simultaneously tackling structural barriers, stigma, and discrimination that prevent people from accessing care.

  1. 1.
    EU/EEA is disproportionately affected by cancer compared to the rest of the world
  2. 2.
    There were 2.7 million new cases and 1.3 million cancer-related deaths in the EU (2022)
  3. 3.
    Approximately 1 in 8 cancer cases is caused by an infection
  4. 4
    By preventing and addressing these causes, a significant proportion of cancers can be prevented

SHIELD brings together 69 partners from 25 European countries

Including public health institutes, research organisations, healthcare providers and policymakers. Coordinated by the Centre for Health Intervention Research (CHIP) in Denmark, the consortium combines expertise from across Europe to strengthen prevention strategies.

Participating countries map

Overall Objectives

Shield combines research, public health expertise and policy collaboration to design and implement effective strategies to prevent cancers caused by infections across Europe.

  1. First Element
    Reduce premature morbidity and mortality caused by cancers by devising comprehensive and effective biomedical prevention programmes for HBV, HCV, HPV, HIV (and TB)
  2. Second Element
    Identify and address structural barriers and increase awareness to increase uptake of HPV and HBV vaccination
  3. Third Element
    Improve monitoring of HPV and HBV vaccination coverage in vulnerable groups
  4. Forth Element
    Address disease-realated stigma and discrimination and improve capacities of healthcare professionals