WHO Leads Global Charge to Eliminate Cervical Cancer: Join the Fight for Women’s Health

As world leaders gather in Rio de Janeiro for the G20 Summit, Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer statue will shine in teal. This event marks the “Day of Action for Cervical Cancer Elimination,” organized by the World Health Organization (WHO). Many countries are launching initiatives to promote HPV vaccination, improve screening, and raise awareness about cervical cancer.

Four years ago, 194 nations committed to eliminating cervical cancer. Since then, progress has been significant. At least 144 countries now provide the HPV vaccine. Over 60 countries have added HPV testing to their screening programs, and 83 countries include cervical cancer surgical care in their health services.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the role of health workers in this effort. He noted ongoing inequities, especially in low-income countries. He stated that strong leadership and investment are essential for equitable healthcare access.

For this year’s campaign, various activities are planned globally, including:

• Chile: Launching a pilot for self-collection with HPV testing as part of healthcare reform.
• China: Medical institutions will conduct lectures and health runs in 31 cities.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo: Hosting a three-day forum to develop a national cervical cancer elimination strategy, ending with a march in Kinshasa.
• Ethiopia: Initiating an HPV vaccination campaign to reach over 7 million girls.
• India: Civil society groups will organize awareness campaigns and training sessions for health professionals.
• Ireland: Introducing an Action Plan to achieve cervical cancer elimination by 2040.
• Japan: Illuminating over 70 landmarks as part of their Teal Blue Campaign.
• Nigeria: Advocacy efforts led by First Ladies Against Cancer.
• Rwanda: Setting a goal to meet the WHO targets by 2027, three years early.
• South Africa: Training health providers in three provinces.

WHO is also releasing new guidance on standards for HPV screening tests. These standards will help develop reliable tests that work in low-resource settings. They emphasize self-sampling and testing solutions that bring services closer to patients.

In 2020, WHO launched a global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. This initiative has encouraged communities worldwide to unite for cervical cancer awareness and action.