A Global First: A Blueprint for Eliminating Cervical Cancer in the Americas

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally and ranks third in Latin America and the Caribbean. More than 350,000 women lose their lives to cervical cancer globally every year. This disease disproportionately impacts impoverished women residing in middle- and low-income countries, highlighting a significant inequity. These are startling figures, considering cervical cancer is highly preventable through HPV vaccination, screening and treatment.

Today, under the leadership of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Americas are working to become the first region in the world to eliminate cervical cancer, and in so doing become the first to eliminate a cancer of any kind. Through its Disease Elimination Initiative, PAHO is building on its historic role in eliminating smallpox and polio by helping countries take the steps necessary to eliminate cervical cancer, by increasing HPV vaccination, screening and treatment coverage.

This will require a cross-sector approach, with governments, private companies, philanthropies and multilateral agencies all playing an essential role in increasing availability, access and capacity of health services to provide these life-saving technologies to women and girls. The power to make this cancer a disease of the past lies within our grasp, fostering the hope of a world free from this disease. We invite you to join this 20-minute conversation to unite and join the movement to eliminate cervical cancer.

This discussion will highlight progress being made by countries in the Americas and explore the role of different sectors in bringing HPV vaccines, screening and treatment technologies to more women and girls – and in doing so, set the region on a path to making history.

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is a 2024 Concordia Annual Summit Lead Programming Partner.