At the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for decisive global action to eliminate cervical cancer, a disease that claims over 350,000 lives annually. He highlighted that almost all cases can be prevented through the use of vaccines, diagnostic tools, and treatments. Tedros noted that cervical cancer disproportionately affects women in low- and middle-income countries, where 94% of deaths occur. While high-income nations are on the verge of eliminating the disease, many countries lack equitable access to these essential tools. The WHO aims to achieve cervical cancer elimination through increased political commitment and international cooperation, with expanded vaccination programs, enhanced diagnostic services, and accessible treatments, particularly in resource-limited settings. Tedros called for determined political leadership and global solidarity to realize this public health goal.
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