Global Commitments and Funding Announced to Eliminate Cervical Cancer
Governments, donors, multilateral institutions, and partners have come together to make major commitments in the fight against cervical cancer. These commitments, including nearly US$600 million in new funding, aim to expand vaccine coverage and strengthen screening and treatment programs with the goal of eliminating cervical cancer worldwide. If these ambitions are realized, it would be the first time in history that a cancer has been eliminated.
The commitments were made at the first-ever Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Forum held in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. The forum aimed to generate national and global momentum to end this preventable disease. Cervical cancer claims the lives of a woman every two minutes, despite the existence of knowledge and tools to prevent and eliminate it. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer, combined with screening and treatment, offers a pathway to elimination.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide and disproportionately affects women in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a one-dose HPV vaccine schedule, which has significantly reduced barriers to scaling up vaccination programs. To date, 37 countries have reported switching or intending to switch to a one-dose regimen.
The commitments announced at the forum mark a significant moment in accelerating progress towards the global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer adopted by 194 countries in 2020. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the importance of investing in the global elimination strategy and addressing the inequities that prevent women and girls from accessing life-saving tools.
Several countries made commitments at the forum, including Indonesia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. These commitments involve introducing the HPV vaccine, implementing robust vaccine delivery strategies, and increasing screening and treatment programs. The nearly US$600 million in new funding includes contributions from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, and the World Bank.
However, there are challenges on the path to elimination. Supply constraints, delivery challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic have hindered progress. In 2022, only one in five eligible adolescent girls were vaccinated, and fewer than 5% of women in many LMICs are screened for cervical cancer. Health system constraints, costs, logistical issues, and lack of political will have created obstacles to implementing comprehensive prevention and treatment programs.
These barriers have resulted in deep inequity, with over 90% of cervical cancer deaths in 2022 occurring in LMICs. However, with renewed commitments from governments and partners, it is possible to reverse this trend and prevent annual deaths from rising to 410,000 by 2030.
The Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Forum was co-sponsored by the Governments of Colombia and Spain in partnership with various organizations and institutions. The forum brought together experts and stakeholders to exchange experiences and knowledge to eliminate barriers to care, increase HPV vaccination, and facilitate capacity development.
The forum received support from influential figures such as Dr. Chris Elias from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, who emphasized the importance of increasing access to HPV vaccines. Aurélia Nguyen from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, highlighted the goal of vaccinating 86 million adolescent girls by 2025. Juan Pablo Uribe from the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents (GFF) and the World Bank pledged at least US$400 million for HPV-related investments over the next three years. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) stressed the need to scale up access to HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment. Helga Fogstad from UNICEF pledged US$10 million to support 21 countries in vaccinating girls against HPV. Marisol Touraine from Unitaid emphasized the importance of affordable and available tools for prevention and treatment. Dr. Atul Gawande from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) highlighted the role of HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment in safeguarding future generations.
The commitments made at the Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Forum represent a significant step towards eliminating cervical cancer. With increased funding, expanded vaccination programs, and improved screening and treatment, it is possible to save countless lives and create a future free from the threat of cervical cancer. The forum serves as a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, bringing together governments, organizations, and individuals dedicated to achieving this important goal.