GENEVA — In a historic move to combat one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers affecting women, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially designated November 17th as World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day.
The declaration was made during the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), reinforcing WHO’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat—a goal first launched in 2020.
“Cervical cancer kills 350,000 women each year and another 600,000 are diagnosed,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Yet it could become the first cancer in history to be eliminated, thanks to HPV vaccines and timely screening and treatment.”
The chosen date aligns with the anniversary of WHO’s Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer, which has gained increasing traction across member states, healthcare institutions, and civil society.
Health experts believe this new annual observance will serve as both a moment of reflection and a call to action—pushing nations to scale up national prevention programs, foster innovation, and close healthcare equity gaps, especially in low- and middle-income countries where nearly 90% of cervical cancer deaths occur.
🌍 A Global Day, A Global Mission
The resolution carries tremendous weight for public health, particularly in areas with limited access to HPV vaccines, cancer screening, and timely treatment.
WHO and its partners are urging countries to meet the “90-70-90” targets by 2030:
- 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by age 15
- 70% of women screened by age 35 and again by age 45
- 90% of women with pre-cancer or cancer receiving appropriate treatment
“This annual reminder will promote collective efforts for the health of women and girls everywhere,”
Dr. Tedros added. “I’m so inspired by the dedication of the health ministers and delegates at the WHA78 to make it a reality.”
💉 A Preventable, Beatable Disease
Despite its high fatality rate, cervical cancer is highly preventable. Widespread HPV vaccination, early screening, and effective treatment could make it the first cancer to be eliminated globally—if efforts are well-coordinated and adequately funded.
WHO hopes this observance will galvanize political commitment, public awareness, and increased investment in women’s health.
