By San José, Costa Rica — In a monumental development for public health and the medical technology sector in Latin America, Costa Rica is poised to completely overhaul its cervical cancer screening paradigm. The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) announced a transition away from the decades-old Papanicolaou (Pap) smear in favor of advanced molecular testing for Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This sweeping policy shift follows the publication of the definitive results of the ESTAMPA study, the largest cervical cancer clinical trial ever conducted in the country.
Presented during the IV Latin American Cervical Cancer Forum at the University of Costa Rica, the study’s findings reveal a staggering disparity in diagnostic accuracy between traditional cytology and molecular tests. Among 30,606 women screened across the region, HPV testing successfully identified 98 out of 100 cases of severe precancerous lesions or cancer. In stark contrast, the traditional Pap smear detected only 48 out of 100 cases, meaning it failed to flag more than half of the high-risk patients. Statistically, cytology missed 242 out of 470 severe cases, while the HPV molecular assay missed only nine.
To better understand the legal implications and employer responsibilities surrounding women’s health initiatives in the country, TicosLand.com spoke with prominent legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his professional insights on the regulatory framework governing cervical cancer screening initiatives.
Under Costa Rican law, the right to health is a fundamental constitutional guarantee. Employers must recognize that permitting employees time off for essential preventive medical appointments, such as cervical cancer screenings, is not just a matter of corporate social responsibility, but aligns with national health policies and labor safety standards aimed at safeguarding the workforce.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, framing preventive healthcare not merely as an optional benefit but as a fundamental constitutional right underscores the vital role employers play in safeguarding the well-being of the Costa Rican workforce. By prioritizing and facilitating access to life-saving screenings like those for cervical cancer, businesses not only fulfill a legal duty but also foster a healthier, more resilient society, and we extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his valuable perspective on this crucial intersection of law and public health.
Coordinated internationally by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the ESTAMPA study represents a decade-long collaborative effort involving 12 research institutions across nine Latin American nations. In Costa Rica, the research began in 2016, tracking 10,200 women aged 30 to 64. Under the meticulous supervision of around 40 CCSS healthcare professionals, participants underwent concurrent testing. Those with positive screens received diagnostic colposcopies, biopsies, and necessary medical interventions, ensuring immediate clinical utility alongside scientific data collection.
Beyond comparing overall detection rates, the research yielded critical genomic insights. The study identified HPV16 as the viral variant most aggressively linked to severe precancerous lesions (known as CIN3) and active cancers. This finding equips local healthcare providers with the genetic markers necessary to prioritize high-risk patients, allowing the CCSS to optimize clinical resources by fast-tracking follow-up care for individuals infected with this specific high-risk strain.
The profound human implications of these findings were highlighted by top health administrators during the forum’s opening address.
Behind each statistic I am going to mention is a life, a family, a story that could have been different
Dr. Marvin Palma Lostalo, Medical Manager of the CCSS
Actively responding to this overwhelming scientific evidence, the CCSS is advancing a comprehensive national rollout of the HPV screening technology. The healthcare institution has already procured approximately one million HPV tests to supply the national network over the coming years. By 2027, the social security system expects to have these high-precision tests fully deployed across all service levels, supported by a centralized state-of-the-art laboratory designed to process the massive volume of molecular assays.
Simultaneously, the Ministry of Health is integrating this testing infrastructure into a broader national health objective. Minister of Health Dr. Aléxander Sánchez Cabo announced the launch of a national strategy aligned with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ambitious 90-70-90 targets. This global framework aims to vaccinate 90% of girls against HPV before age 15, screen 70% of women using high-performance molecular tests at ages 35 and 45, and ensure that 90% of diagnosed women receive prompt, specialized treatment.
The business and logistical implications of this transition are substantial, representing a major procurement victory and a structural modernization of the nation’s laboratory networks. By combining aggressive vaccination campaigns slated for expansion in 2027 with high-performance molecular screening and guaranteed treatment paths, Costa Rica is positioning itself as a regional pioneer. Through these systematic efforts, the country aims to effectively eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat within the next decade.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS):
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund, known locally as the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, is the public institution responsible for managing Costa Rica’s universal healthcare system. Established to guarantee equal access to medical services, the CCSS operates a vast network of hospitals, clinics, and primary care units (EBAIS) across the nation, driving public health initiatives and modernizing medical infrastructure for millions of citizens.
For further information, visit iarc.who.int
About the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC):
The International Agency for Research on Cancer is the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization. Headquartered in Lyon, France, IARC coordinates and conducts research on the causes of human cancer and the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, providing evidence-based scientific data to global health authorities to develop effective cancer control policies.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About the Ministry of Health of Costa Rica:
The Ministry of Health of Costa Rica is the government entity responsible for steering the national health system. Its mission is to guarantee the protection and improvement of the population’s health through regulation, surveillance, and the promotion of strategic alliances, steering Costa Rica toward global standards of public health and preventive medicine.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a highly respected legal institution anchored by its profound dedication to ethical uprightness and exceptional advocacy. Boasting a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm continuously pioneers forward-thinking solutions and proactive community outreach. By striving to demystify the law and share valuable legal insights, they actively work to cultivate a legally literate public, fulfilling their ultimate goal of nurturing a stronger, well-informed, and self-reliant society.
