WHO launches strategy to accelerate elimination of cervical cancer
19th November, 2020
WHO want countries to aim for 90% of girls under 15 vaccinated,70% of eligible women identified and treated, 90% of women with invasive cancer treated.
Vaccinating nine in 10 girls under 15 against cervical cancer, and improved screening and treatment of women could reduce infections by 40% and save 5 million lives by 2050.
Cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer among women globally, is a preventable disease but strikes at least 5,70,000 each year and kills 3,11,000.
Almost all cases are linked to infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) types transmitted by sexual contact.
Infection rates are twice as high in developing countries and death rates three times higher than in high-income countries.