For the first time ever, the world has committed to eliminate a cancer:
17 November 2020
Main event (Part I): 14:30 to 16:15 CET (Geneva)
Cervical 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, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria and Rwanda will co-sponsor the event.
Women who have lived with cervical cancer from all regions of the world – including advocates and survivors 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.
A global movement!
The global movement to eliminate cervical cancer is driven by the energy, passion and momentum of communities, partners and individuals working towards catalyzing change. All over the world, individuals, communities and regions got involved and helped celebrate this historic moment!
We thank all people and communities who made the commitment to help light up the world in teal for the launch of the Global Strategy, as well as host companion events!
See who illuminated the cause!
See who celebrated with companion events!
Read our January 2021 newsletter to learn more
For more information on getting involved, please contact cxca@who.int.
Webinar (Part II): New technical materials to support implementation
16:15 to 17:45 CET (Geneva)
After the main event, a technical discussion will bring together WHO Headquarters and Regional Officers, as well as the International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to focus on the release of new technical materials and updates for policy-makers, programme managers and experts implementing the Global Strategy.
