Today marks the first-ever World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, a milestone endorsed by the World Health Assembly to accelerate global efforts to end one of the most preventable women’s cancers. Cervical cancer kills over 350,000 women each year, despite effective tools for prevention, screening, and treatment.
The day reinforces the WHO’s global targets — vaccinating 90% of girls, screening 70% of women, and treating 90% of those diagnosed with pre-cancer or cancer. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros said progress is no longer a “distant dream,” with more countries expanding HPV vaccination and screening.
Major momentum comes from Gavi’s announcement that its goal of reaching 86 million girls with HPV vaccines by 2025 has already been met.
Across the world, nations are marking the day with action:
Sierra Leone and Liberia are vaccinating over 1.5 million girls.
Malaysia is promoting self-sampling HPV tests through survivor-led campaigns.
Countries including Angola, China, Cuba, Ghana, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Tunisia, and Rwanda have launched large-scale HPV vaccination drives.
Pakistan’s campaign reached over 9 million girls, the largest single HPV vaccination effort ever.
South Africa and Nigeria reaffirmed leadership through investments and global advocacy.
Spain and Unitaid are supporting HPV prevention in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.
This global wave of vaccination, screening, and treatment is pushing countries closer to achieving the 90-70-90 targets and eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat.
