World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day

World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day Set

The World Health Assembly has taken a monumental step in the global fight against cancer by officially designating November 17th as World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day. This landmark decision, set to be observed annually starting in November 2025, highlights a collective commitment to eradicate a preventable and treatable disease. It builds upon a foundational resolution from 2020 that adopted a comprehensive global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem.

This designation comes in recognition of the disproportionate burden cervical cancer places on women globally, particularly in developing countries and among those living with HIV. Despite being largely preventable and highly curable if detected early, it remains one of the most common causes of cancer-related morbidity and death in women. A significant challenge highlighted is the far-from-goal vaccination coverage against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of this cancer.

The strategy for elimination centers on highly cost-effective primary and secondary prevention approaches. This includes robust HPV vaccination programs and widespread access to screening for and treatment of precancerous lesions. The resolution emphasizes that boosting public awareness, ensuring access to vital information, and providing comprehensive services are paramount elements for effective prevention and control across the entire life course.

In support of this global initiative, Member States are strongly urged to allocate sufficient resources to expand healthcare services for cervical cancer elimination efforts, aligning these with national priorities and universal health coverage goals. The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) has been requested to actively utilize World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day to strengthen stakeholder engagement, drive innovation, mobilize resources, and highlight progress made by Member States in their pursuit of elimination targets.

Furthermore, the resolution calls upon all international organizations, stakeholders, and partners to enhance multilateral collaboration. Their support is vital in promoting knowledge, ensuring access to safe, affordable, and quality services, and developing effective healthcare products. This concerted global effort aims to foster solidarity across countries, pushing forward the world’s first-ever endeavor to eliminate a cancer as a public health problem.