Cervical cancer elimination day of action

Empowering Frontline Workers: Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action

On November 17, we recognize the fourth anniversary of the global strategy aimed at eliminating cervical cancer as a public health issue, marking this day as Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action. With heightened focus on "Elevating Frontline Health Workers: Transforming Global Commitments into Lifesaving Actions," the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the crucial role frontline health workers play in bringing effective cervical cancer prevention, treatment, and care initiatives to life.

Cervical Cancer: A Major Health Concern in South-East Asia

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women in the WHO South-East Asia Region, accounting for approximately 200,000 new cases in 2022 alone. Alarming statistics reveal that an estimated 120,000 cervical cancer deaths occurred in the region that year. These figures underscore that the Region bears nearly one-third of the global burden of new cases and deaths attributed to cervical cancer.

Despite being largely preventable, cervical cancer continues to pose a significant threat. WHO aims for its elimination through three primary interim targets for its member countries by 2030:

1. Vaccination: 90% of girls should be vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15.
2. Screening: 70% of women should be screened using a high-performance test by the age of 35, and again by age 45.
3. Treatment: 90% of women with pre-cancer and 90% of those with invasive cancer must receive appropriate treatment.

Collaborative Regional Efforts Making Progress

The Regional Implementation Framework on Eliminating Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Problem (2021–2030) guides each member state in achieving these significant goals. Noteworthy progress has been made, with several countries implementing promising initiatives:

• Bhutan is leading a flagship health project targeting the 2030 interim goals.
• Indonesia has developed a dedicated national plan focusing on high HPV vaccination coverage.
• Thailand’s Cancer Anywhere program provides free cervical cancer care across various institutions, ensuring patients can seek treatment according to their convenience.

Six countries within the region have rolled out nationwide HPV vaccination campaigns, with two others introducing the vaccine on a sub-national level. Additionally, seven countries feature population-based cervical cancer screening, and ten offer cancer-specific departments or centers at the tertiary level.

Ongoing Challenges and WHO’s Call to Action

Despite these advancements, several challenges are impeding progress. Supply shortages hinder vaccine accessibility, while the high costs associated with the HPV vaccine have delayed nationwide vaccination efforts in some countries. Furthermore, radiation therapy services remain suboptimal, and substantial gaps exist in palliative care access.

On this day of action, WHO urges member states to intensify efforts across several key areas:

1. Nationwide HPV Vaccination Programs: All countries should establish comprehensive HPV vaccination initiatives to surpass 90% coverage among girls aged up to 15. The potential for single-dose regimens offers promising advantages, enhancing accessibility.

2. Expanded Screening Initiatives: Coverage for cervical cancer screening must be expanded by integrating these services into routine healthcare delivery. Investments in technology and capacity-building can focus on high-performance screening tests such as HPV DNA-based tests.

3. Strengthening Cancer Management Capacity: Countries must enhance their capabilities in cancer diagnosis and treatment. This includes implementing effective management guidelines, improving pathology and surgical capacities, enhancing access to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and ensuring effective referral pathways are in place.

4. Comprehensive Care Integration: Essential components like palliative care, psychosocial support, end-of-life care, and survivorship care should be integral to universal health coverage packages.

A Collective Responsibility

The battle against cervical cancer is a shared responsibility. Policymakers, frontline health workers, civil society, partners, and communities must collaborate diligently to meet the targets set forth for the cervical cancer elimination initiative by 2030.

"On this Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, let us reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every girl and woman in our region has access to these life-saving interventions," states Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia.

As we reflect on this important day, the need for unified action is clearer than ever. Together, we can eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. Share your thoughts on how technology can further enhance cervical cancer prevention and treatment efforts. Your voice matters in this critical fight against preventable cancers.