Countries Urged to Speed Up Action on Cervical Cancer

South Africa’s Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, stressed that the scientific knowledge and medical tools needed to eliminate cervical cancer already exist.

Health ministers, policymakers, international organizations and civil society groups gathered at the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly to discuss how countries can accelerate efforts to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.

The high-level event focused on strengthening health systems and improving accountability to ensure women have better access to prevention, screening, treatment and follow-up care. Organized by South Africa and Nepal, with support from several countries and Unitaid, the discussion explored practical ways to turn global commitments into measurable results.

Participants emphasized the need to expand HPV vaccination programmes, improve access to screening services, strengthen referral systems and close treatment gaps that continue to prevent many women from receiving timely care.

Women Continue to Face Barriers to Care

South Africa's Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, stressed that the scientific knowledge and medical tools needed to eliminate cervical cancer already exist. He said the challenge now is ensuring governments and health systems follow through on their commitments and deliver services effectively.

The human impact of those challenges was highlighted by cervical cancer survivor and patient advocate Sally Kwenda, who shared her personal experience navigating the healthcare system. She spoke about the difficulties women face when prevention, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up services are not properly connected.

Her message underscored the importance of person-centred healthcare, particularly for women living with HIV, who often face a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. Officials at the event repeatedly stressed that every statistic represents a real person whose outcome depends on whether healthcare services are available when needed.

Community-Based Solutions Driving Progress

Several countries shared examples of programmes designed to bring cervical cancer services closer to communities. Nepal highlighted the work of more than 52,000 female community health volunteers who help connect women to vaccination, screening and treatment services. The country is also expanding self-sampling initiatives and same-day screen-and-treat approaches.

Brazil reported progress in increasing HPV vaccination coverage through school-based programmes and outreach to remote and Indigenous communities. Ghana pointed to the need for stronger investment in diagnostics, treatment facilities, healthcare workers and long-term financing.

Liberia highlighted a challenge faced by many countries. While large numbers of health workers have been trained to conduct cervical cancer screening, treatment capacity remains limited, creating gaps between diagnosis and care.

Throughout the discussions, participants agreed that innovation alone will not eliminate cervical cancer unless new technologies remain affordable and accessible. Expanding HPV testing, strengthening treatment systems, investing in healthcare workers and ensuring community voices shape health programmes were identified as key priorities.

As the 2030 target approaches, health leaders said success will depend on whether countries can build systems capable of delivering consistent and equitable care. With the tools already available, the focus is now shifting toward implementation and ensuring every woman has access to the services she needs.