Governments, donors, multilateral institutions, and partners have announced groundbreaking commitments, totaling nearly US$600 million, to eradicate cervical cancer. This momentous pledge was made at the inaugural Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Forum held in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, signaling a unified effort to combat this preventable disease.

Cervical cancer claims the lives of a woman every two minutes, despite the existence of effective prevention tools. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), combined with screening and treatment, presents a viable pathway to elimination. However, the disease disproportionately affects women in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), highlighting the urgent need for action.

The commitments announced at the forum represent a significant step towards realizing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 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 vaccination, screening, and treatment programs to address existing inequities.

Key commitments include the Democratic Republic of Congo’s pledge to introduce the HPV vaccine using the WHO-recommended single-dose schedule and Ethiopia’s commitment to comprehensive vaccine delivery and screening strategies. Nigeria has launched its national HPV vaccine program and aims to achieve high vaccine coverage through innovative delivery methods.

The new funding, Including contributions from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, and the World Bank, will bolster efforts to expand vaccine coverage and strengthen screening and treatment programs. Despite challenges such as supply constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic, governments and partners are determined to overcome obstacles and prevent cervical cancer deaths from escalating.

The forum, co-sponsored by the Governments of Colombia and Spain in collaboration with leading global health organizations, marks a significant milestone in the global fight against cervical cancer. With renewed commitment and collaboration, there is hope for a future where cervical cancer is eradicated, ensuring the health and well-being of women worldwide.