Imagine a world where cervical cancer is a thing of the past. That's the powerful vision driving the World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day 2025. Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, shares an inspiring message of hope and commitment. He highlights the incredible progress being made in the fight against this preventable disease. But here's where it gets controversial: cervical cancer remains a significant threat to women's health in Africa. However, the tools we need to eliminate it – HPV vaccination, screening, and timely treatment – are readily available. The challenge? Making these life-saving resources accessible to every single woman and girl, no matter where they live.
Across the African Region, there's a growing momentum. An impressive 32 member states have already integrated HPV vaccination into their national immunization plans. This has already reached nearly half of all eligible girls. And the good news keeps coming: several more countries have rolled out the vaccine this year, with at least eight more planning to do so in 2026. Each vaccination represents a shield, protecting against both the virus and the heartbreak of loss and suffering.
WHO is actively supporting countries through the Women’s Integrated Cancer Services (WICS) initiative. This program helps embed cervical and breast cancer screening into primary healthcare. This integrated approach is continuous, accessible, and centered around women's needs. It strengthens the entire process of prevention, early detection, and treatment. The WICS model was presented to Ministers of Health at the Seventy-fifth Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa. It offers a practical model for advancing women’s health across the region.
These advancements are the result of powerful partnerships. WHO collaborates with other UN agencies, including the International Atomic Energy Agency and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Together, they support national cancer control assessments and plans, with a special focus on cervical cancer. With generous support from partners like the Government of Spain, WHO helps countries build human resource and technological capacity. This includes updating national cancer control plans, training healthcare workers, and providing essential equipment to treat pre-cancerous lesions.
However, the fight isn't over. Too many women still lack access to vital screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Many healthcare systems are still under-resourced. Eliminating cervical cancer requires sustained commitment, financial support, and coordinated efforts from governments, partners, communities, and individuals. Dr. Janabi calls on all Member States to accelerate national action, focusing on the three pillars of the Global Strategy for Cervical Cancer Elimination: vaccination, screening, and treatment. He emphasizes the importance of placing women’s health and rights at the heart of universal health coverage.
By working together, we can make elimination a reality. We can secure a future where every woman in Africa, regardless of her location, has access to the protection, care, and dignity she deserves.
What do you think? Are you encouraged by the progress being made? What more can be done to ensure every woman has access to these life-saving resources? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
