VIENNA - On the occasion of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2021 (18.-24.01.), EPF President, Hon. Petra Bayr, MP (Austria), urges fellow European governments to increase their efforts in preventing and treating cervical cancer.  In an op-ed, she begins by stating that,  "Basic health services, including of course those relating to sexual and reproductive health, must be accessible to all women and girls".

For the first time ever, the world has committed to eliminate a cancer: Formal Launch of the Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer17th November 2020Time: 2:30pm to 4:00pm CET (Geneva)Morning in the AmericasAfternoon in Europe / Africa / Eastern MediterraneanEvening in South-East Asia and the Western PacificCervical cancer is one cancer the world can actually eliminate: it’s time to do it.  Following a Call to Action in May 2018 from the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros, 194 countries collectively resolved to end needless suffering from a cancer that is both preventable and curable.  The world already has the necessary tools; they just need to be made accessible. In August 2020, the World Health Assembly passed a resolution calling for elimination of cervical cancer and adopting a strategy to make it happen.  It is a testament to the enthusiasm for this important goal that, even in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries around the world have affirmed their support for this important priority.On November 17, following the close of the 73rd World Health Assembly, WHO will mark this historic announcement and officially launch the elimination strategy.  Due to the pandemic, the event will be held virtually and hosted by WHO leadership. The governments of Australia and Rwanda will co-sponsor the event.Let’s light up the world in teal for cervical cancer elimination!On 17 November, to celebrate the launch, iconic monuments around the world will light up in teal for cervical cancer elimination. Please join the effort to illuminate the cause!Women who have survived cervical cancer from all regions of the world – advocates who have fought the disease – will open the event.  High-level speakers will join them, reflecting support from a broad coalition of partners and agencies.  In addition to conveying unity in the stand against this cancer, the messaging will continue to socialize the public to the goals and targets set by the strategy: by the year 2030, all countries can achieve 90% HPV vaccination coverage, 70% screening coverage, and 90% access to treatment for cervical pre-cancer and cancer, including access to palliative care.  Partners are invited to make announcements and pledges of support, to build momentum.   All around the world, companion events and launch activities will mark a day of action.  The launch will be more than just an announcement: the energy will be harnessed to actually fuel activities to implement the strategy itself.  From the Americas, to Europe, Africa, South Asia, and the Pacific, among others, local events will celebrate the launch.  Ministries of Health are organizing safe screening campaigns that day.  First ladies are mobilizing their organizations to promote cervical cancer activities.  Patient support groups plan to watch the launch together and host local discussions, and civil society organizations are planning media campaigns and advocacy activities.  Monuments and buildings will be illuminated in the color teal, the color of cervical cancer awareness. The moment has arrived for an ambitious, inclusive strategy to accelerate eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem.  Elimination is within the reach of all countries.  We can all leave behind a great legacy if we seize the opportunities that are within our reach now, so that girls who are born today will live to see a world free of this disease.  For more information on WHO’s initiative to eliminate cervical cancer,visit our “Health Topic” page