In 2020, the World Health Organization launched a global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem.
This means the disease will become very rare (fewer than four in every 100,000 women and people with a cervix will develop it) and that almost all cases (those that can be) will have been prevented.
This is possible because we now have the knowledge and technology available, through the combination of HPV vaccination, cervical screening and treatment.
Australia is developing its own national strategy, based on the global strategy and tailoring it to local needs. Learn more about Australia's national elimination strategy.
- Australia is set to be one of the first places in the world to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem, potentially as early as 2030.
- The vast majority of cervical cancers can be prevented, and the number of people who die from cervical cancer has halved since the introduction of the National Cervical Screening Program in 1991.
HPV vaccination plays an essential role in achieving and maintaining cervical cancer elimination in Australia.
Since the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was introduced into Australia’s National Immunisation Program in 2007, a significant amount of cervical disease has been prevented.
Every Australian can do their part to help reach this incredible milestone. We can reach cervical cancer elimination by ensuring eligible people:
- are vaccinated against HPV
- participate in regular cervical screening
- can access early and appropriate medical treatment when required.
Talk to your younger family members about whether they have been vaccinated for HPV and make sure that those you love who are eligible for cervical screening are taking part.