Historic MOU Between ACPCC and Gavi: A Major Step in the Fight Against Cervical Cancer

In a significant development, the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer (ACPCC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. This agreement aims to enhance collaboration in the fight against cervical cancer globally. The partnership builds on relationships formed through the Australian Global Health Alliance and initiatives like the Pacific Friends of Global Health. The MOU promotes support for vaccination programs and cervical cancer screening, particularly in underserved areas.

Cervical cancer can be prevented through screening and vaccination. ACPCC, founded in 1965, has led efforts in early detection through cytology and testing services. These initiatives were vital for early diagnosis, saving lives and paving the way for advanced prevention strategies.

In the 2000s, a breakthrough occurred with the introduction of the HPV vaccine, which combats the primary cause of cervical cancer. Australia began offering this vaccine to adolescents nationally in 2007, making it one of the first countries to do so. The ACPCC established the National HPV Vaccination Register to track vaccination data.

The results were swift. HPV infection rates that lead to cervical cancer dropped significantly within years. In 2011, the ACPCC published the first evidence showing the vaccine reduced precancerous cervical conditions. Encouraged by this success, the program expanded to include boys in 2013, recognizing the need to reduce HPV transmission across all demographics.

ACPCC continued its work, publishing findings in 2019 that supported a one-dose HPV vaccination schedule. This progress was enabled by data analysis from Australia’s screening and vaccination registers.

Australia is now on track to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2035. This success illustrates the effectiveness of comprehensive screening and vaccination strategies and serves as a model for other countries aiming to reduce preventable cancers.

Beyond Australia, ACPCC is extending its initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region. Support comes from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the EPICC consortium, the Minderoo Foundation, and the recent Quad Cancer Moonshot announcement.

The ACPCC’s canSCREEN registry tracks vaccinations in Papua New Guinea and Yap. Plans are in place to expand this effort into more provinces and countries that lack vaccination registration systems.

Through its partnership with Gavi, the ACPCC seeks to leverage Gavi’s expertise in diagnostics, especially in HPV testing. This collaboration aligns with the Quad Cancer Moonshot’s goal to improve access to essential diagnostic tools globally.

The ACPCC’s efforts in cervical cancer prevention highlight the power of health, science, and public policy working together. This new collaboration with Gavi aims to amplify ACPCC’s impact and accelerate the global elimination of cervical cancer.

ACPCC’s leadership proves that public health can be a force for positive change. This collaboration will bring life-saving programs to communities worldwide and redefine cancer prevention practices.

Much of ACPCC’s work in the Indo-Pacific is supported by a consortium of partners, including the University of Sydney, the Kirby Institute, Family Planning Australia, and NCIRS.

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