Cervical Cancer: WHO Reports 350,000 Annual Deaths Worldwide

NEW DELHI: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that cervical cancer, which ranks as the fourth most prevalent cancer among women globally, results in over 350,000 fatalities each year. This announcement coincides with the inaugural World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, an initiative aimed at mobilising global action against a disease that possesses the means for eradication.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, stated, "In 2018, I was proud to launch the global call to action on cervical cancer elimination, and I'm even prouder now to see what was once a distant dream becoming a reality." He noted that numerous countries are enhancing their human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programmes, improving screening processes, and increasing treatment availability, bringing the world closer to a future free from cervical cancer.

The HPV vaccine, which protects against the virus that is the leading cause of cervical cancer, has proven to be highly effective. According to the WHO, for every 1,000 vaccinated children, approximately 17.4 deaths are prevented. The WHO also highlighted a recent achievement by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and its partners, who have successfully reached their goal of vaccinating 86 million girls by the end of 2025. This milestone reflects a broader commitment to advancing national plans for cervical cancer elimination and improving access to screening and treatment.

In India, cervical cancer remains a significant health issue, with over 80,000 new cases reported in the 2023-2024 period. The Indian government’s Union Budget for 2024 has prioritised the introduction of the HPV vaccine, with recommendations from the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation to include it in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) for girls aged 9 to 14. Currently, the HPV vaccination initiative has been launched in Sikkim and Bihar, but is yet to be rolled out nationwide.

Gavi, which collaborates with various stakeholders including developing nations, donor governments, and health organisations, reported that over one million deaths from cervical cancer have been averted due to vaccination efforts. Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, commented, "Every two minutes, a woman dies from cervical cancer, a disease that is both devastating and largely preventable. Thanks to the incredible commitment from countries, partners, civil society and communities, we have now reached the target ahead of schedule."

Cervical cancer disproportionately affects women in lower-income countries, which often lack adequate screening and treatment services. These nations are responsible for approximately 90% of the cervical cancer deaths reported in 2022. The WHO stated that World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day aims to bolster advocacy, enhance service delivery, and secure resources to guarantee that all women and girls have access to essential healthcare.

The WHO's global elimination strategy includes ambitious targets: vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV, screening 70% of women, and treating 90% of those with pre-cancerous and invasive cancer. This day serves as a vital platform for advancing these goals and ensuring that no woman is left without life-saving care in the fight against cervical cancer.