World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, observed on November 17, marks the first official global health day dedicated to the elimination of cancer, as designated by the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly. This initiative builds on a global commitment made on November 17, 2020, when 194 countries pledged to work towards eliminating cervical cancer for the first time, coinciding with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) announcement of a global strategy aimed at addressing cervical cancer as a public health issue.
Since the launch of this initiative, various communities, governments, and health partners have come together annually to enhance access to HPV vaccination, implement high-quality screening, and provide treatment services, thereby promoting women’s health, equity, and universal health coverage.
“This moment matters. Every life counts.” This year’s observance emphasizes the necessity for coordinated action towards the 90-70-90 targets by 2030. The goals include vaccinating 90 percent of girls against HPV by the age of 15, ensuring that 70 percent of women are screened with an effective test by the age of 35 and again at 45, and providing treatment to 90 percent of women diagnosed with cervical disease, as outlined by the World Health Organization.
Published on November 17, 2025.
