As we recognise January as Cervical Cancer Awareness month, a recent report from the Commonwealth Secretariat and TogetHER for Health illustrates a vital path towards eliminating cervical cancer in Commonwealth countries.
The report, developed following a policy roundtable held on 18 September 2024, proposes an urgent need for greater focus and coordinated action to address this significant public health challenge. The meeting, during the World Cancer Congress in Geneva, brought together 24 health experts to discuss challenges and opportunities in cervical cancer elimination.
Supported by Roche Diagnostics International, the discussions emphasised the need for integrated strategies addressing HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment—the three pillars of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) elimination strategy.
The report, Strengthening the Pathway to Cervical Cancer Elimination, highlights the urgency of ensuring equitable access to these interventions. While vaccination rates have increased, participants stressed the importance of scaling up investments in screening and treatment to meet the WHO’s 2030 targets. Experts warned that focusing solely on vaccination risks may leave many women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) without access to early detection and care.
Success stories from across the Commonwealth
The report includes compelling case studies of successful initiatives within the Commonwealth:
- Antigua and Barbuda - A pilot programme integrating HPV screening into primary healthcare improved early detection rates. This initiative also led to the development of the country’s first national cervical cancer screening guidelines, which are now being scaled up.
- Cameroon - Community-based navigation programmes supported women from rural areas, boosting screening attendance and ensuring those diagnosed with precancerous lesions received timely treatment.
- India - In an innovative model in Uttar Pradesh, women were offered self-collection HPV testing, facilitated by local health workers. The programme’s success included a dramatic increase in screening coverage and effective referral pathways for women requiring treatment.
- Rwanda - The country’s use of the FAST system - which integrates fast HPV testing, affordable care, systematic tracking, and timely treatment- resulted in over 105,000 women being screened in two years. Partnerships with local organisations and the use of digital tools streamlined the process and improved outcomes.
These case studies underscore the effectiveness of integrated approaches and demonstrates how community partnerships and stakeholder engagement can increase the uptake of screening and enhance access across the Commonwealth.
Key recommendations
The report outlines actionable steps for governments, donors, and health organisations, including:
- Allocate resources equitably across vaccination, screening, and treatment. For example, in 2023, HPV vaccination funding in LMICs rose by 244%, while investments in test-and-treat solutions declined by 18%.
- Utilise digital tools for patient tracking, clinical decision-making, and evaluating programme outcomes.
- Address stigma and cultural barriers through grassroots education campaigns. Self-collection methods for HPV testing were highlighted as a promising strategy.
- Train healthcare providers to adopt advanced screening methods like HPV DNA testing, ensuring timely and accurate interventions.
Collective action to achieve shared goals in the Commonwealth
The report reaffirms the Commonwealth’s commitment to fostering health equity and prioritising the needs of women in underserved and marginalised communities. This commitment was recently strengthened, with Commonwealth Leaders reaffirming to eliminate cervical cancer globally at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa.
By dismantling systemic barriers, promoting integrated strategies, and amplifying community-driven interventions, member countries are positioned to make measurable progress towards cervical cancer elimination.
Stories like that of Zambian radio and TV presenter Karen Nakawala, who survived cervical cancer, speak to the need for accelerated action.
As the 2030 deadline for WHO’s targets looms, the Commonwealth Secretariat is working with policymakers to turn these recommendations into concrete action. These collaborative efforts, grounded in shared responsibility and innovation, can ensure a future where women and girls can have lives free from the threat of cervical cancer.
Media contact
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Ijeoma Onyeator Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
