After a student won a refund for the jab against cervical cancer, campaigners are pushing for universal access

• Health officials ordered to refund student for HPV jab

• Campaigners hope case will set precedent for free access

• Economic pain makes buying vaccines unaffordable for many

By Beril Eski

ISTANBUL, April 8 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - When Turkish university student Yagmur Varkal found out she would have to pay for a vaccine protecting her against cervical cancer, she took health authorities to court to get a refund - winning a landmark victory.

Buoyed by her win last month, other women have since filed legal action to demand free access to vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV), which more than 100 countries already provide to girls, according to the World Health Organization.

Campaigners in Turkey hope the Ankara court ruling could set a precedent, and pave the way for universal access.

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