Commonwealth countries work to advance cervical cancer dials

The theme for this year’s World Cancer Day is “Bridging the Care Gap”. This is the same theme as last year and indeed it will be the same in 2024. This is in recognition of the deep-seated inequalities people face when seeking cancer care within and between countries.

Blog by Emily Gilmore, Federal Office of Health Officer

Unfortunately, the Commonwealth is well aware of these inequalities. With the Commonwealth responsible for 40% of the global cervical cancer incidence burden and 43% of the global mortality burden, the need for action has never been clearer.

Over the past several years, the federal government has taken steps to address the burden of cervical cancer. At last year’s Commonwealth Summit, the Secretary recognized that cervical cancer remains the most common cancer affecting women in many Commonwealth countries, and raised the cervix as a public health problem. resolution to accelerate the eradication of

As a first step, government leaders have made a breakthrough effort to ensure that all girls have access to a human papillomavirus vaccine by the age of 13 by 2025.

And beyond high-level commitment, progress has been made on cervical cancer. Progress must move faster if we are to meet our joint commitments, but some continue to lead the way in reducing cervical cancer incidence and mortality across the Commonwealth. Looking back on a country is important.

Actions to implement HPV vaccination programs

Over the years, Commonwealth countries have historically broken new ground in preventative measures to combat cervical cancer. In 2011, Rwanda became the first African country to introduce a nationwide her HPV vaccination campaign targeting all girls between the ages of 11 and her 15, and currently vaccination coverage is at her 90%. %.

In 2010, Malaysia became the first country in Asia to launch a national HPV vaccination program. Australia is poised to become the first country to eradicate the disease through its commitment to preventive interventions.

According to the latest available data in 2019, 34 federal countries included HPV vaccination programs in their national immunization schedules, up from 32 in 2017 and 29 in 2015. I’m here. Countries, including Sierra Leone, that have introduced the vaccine into their routine immunization schedules in October 2022.

Make no mistake, this is progress. However, with the Commonwealth 2025 initiative on the HPV vaccine approaching, we must continue to increase the number of countries with his HPV vaccine in their national routine immunization schedules.

Driving low-cost HPV vaccines in India and other countries

Another significant advance was made by India, which launched the first locally-produced version of its human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in late 2022. It was developed jointly by the Indian Serum Institute and the Government of India’s Department of Biotechnology. The tetravalent selvavac vaccine offers protection against the strains most likely to cause cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers, among others.

At just 200-400 rupees ($5) per dose, this vaccine is much less costly than other vaccines, and some of the most widely used alternative vaccines can be delivered in three doses. It costs between $262-360.

With 99% of cervical cancer cases caused by high-risk HPV infections, creating a more affordable vaccine would be a major step forward in addressing the unfair burden of cervical cancer. It is hoped that the launch of this vaccine will help India and other Commonwealth countries with high rates of cervical cancer to fulfill our collective commitment.

Improving the psychological and social conditions of women undergoing cancer treatment in Gabon

In 2016, the Silvia Bongo Ondimba Foundation’s cancer treatment center, La Maison Dalys, or Alice House, opened its doors. Cancer treatment is free in Gabon, but for patients coming from within the country, additional costs such as transportation, lodging and food costs are often beyond the reach of patients.

As such, the center provides accommodation and catering for patients and one companion, facilitating access to treatment and reducing the number of people dropping out of treatment. As part of their care, the center provides comprehensive support, including psychologists and social workers, to support each patient, art therapy session, and physical therapy session.

Since 2016, Alice House has hosted 307 patients, helping more women in Gabon get the cancer treatment they need.

Hope for a future without cervical cancer

Recognizing the progress that has been made so far, it is important to note that there is still quite a long way to go before the goal of federal eradication is reached.

Many Commonwealth countries do not yet have national programs for cervical cancer prevention and screening. Communities continue to face inequalities in access to cervical cancer services. Many women also lack access to accurate, relevant, and high-quality information about HPV and cervical cancer, and bear the cost of cancer treatment.

If we aspire to a cervical cancer-free future, we must continue to unite to address women’s broad inequalities across the Commonwealth experience in accessing cervical cancer prevention, screening and treatment services. not.

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media contact

• Amy Coles Communications Officer, Communications Department, Commonwealth Secretariat
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