Overview: The milestone and the mission
In May 2025, South Africa and Nigeria led a landmark push at the World Health Assembly to declare 17 November as World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day. This resolution marks more than a symbolic date; it signals a global commitment to end cervical cancer as a public health threat. While the achievement is cause for celebration, the real test is translating intent into action—across vaccines, screenings, and access to life-saving treatment for every woman, everywhere.
Elimination Day is a call to action for governments, health systems, communities, and civil society to maintain momentum toward a world where cervical cancer is preventable and treatable, not a death sentence. The resolution brings renewed attention to the core pillars: vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), regular screening, and reliable treatment and palliative care. It also emphasizes data collection, equity, and sustainable funding to reach the most vulnerable populations.
Why this day matters for Africa and beyond
Many countries in Africa and other regions face barriers to vaccination, screening coverage, and timely treatment. World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day puts a spotlight on gaps—gaps in healthcare access, supply chains, and public awareness—and it invites governments to adopt concrete, measurable targets. By focusing on adolescent vaccination, ambitious screening programs, and affordable treatment, nations can drive equity and save tens of thousands of lives over the coming decade.
Key actions to drive progress
1) Accelerate HPV vaccination
Vaccinating girls—and where possible boys too—before exposure to HPV is the most effective long-term prevention. Countries should integrate HPV vaccines into national immunization schedules, ensure cold chain reliability, and remove cost barriers for families. Partnerships with international donors and pharmaceutical access programs are essential to reach hard-to-reach communities.
2) Expand and improve screening
Screening detects precancerous changes so they can be treated early. Programs should offer HPV testing or cytology-based screening with clear follow-up pathways. Self-sampling options can increase participation, especially in settings with healthcare access challenges. Data systems must track coverage and outcomes to close gaps.
3) Ensure timely, affordable treatment
Early detection must be matched with access to safe treatment, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy when needed. Strengthening referral networks, reducing financial barriers, and investing in radiotherapy capacity are critical. Palliative care and supportive services are also essential to protect dignity and quality of life.
4) Build resilient health systems
A robust health system can sustain vaccination, screening, and treatment programs. This includes training healthcare workers, improving supply chains, and leveraging digital health tools for reminders, tracking, and reporting. Data transparency helps verify progress toward elimination goals and informs policy gaps.
5) Engage communities and funders
Public awareness campaigns, community health workers, and patient advocacy are vital. Engaging men and broader communities helps reduce stigma and support women’s access to care. Long-term funding—from domestic budgets and international partners—ensures programs are continuous and scalable.
What success looks like
Elimination Day should be measured by tangible milestones: vaccinated cohorts by age, screening coverage reaching target populations, reduced incidence of cervical cancer, and timely treatment access for diagnosed cases. When these measures align, cervical cancer becomes a preventable disease rather than a looming threat to women’s health and livelihoods.
Call to action
Now is the time for policymakers, health workers, researchers, and advocates to translate the World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day spirit into concrete initiatives. If you’re a caregiver, educator, donor, or community leader, rally for vaccination drives, screening uptake, and treatment access in your area. By acting together, we can move from declaration to durable elimination and safeguard the lives and futures of women worldwide.
