Statement to WHO 150th Executive Board: FIGO on cervical cancer

Members of FIGO’s Board of Trustees and Executive Team attended WHO’s virtual 150th Executive Board in early 2022 to feed into discussions and provide the global voice for women’s health. FIGO submitted the following verbal statement on cervical cancer.

FIGO’s statement

The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics welcomes WHO’s strategy to eliminate cervical cancer.

Despite advances in HPV testing and vaccination, more than half a million women are diagnosed each year, and over a quarter of a million die from the disease.

Gaps exist in professional and community education, sustainability of prevention strategies, and coordination of implementation programmes.

We urge Member States to invest in these areas to ensure access to cervical cancer screening programmes and robust HPV vaccination.

Through our deep and expansive reach into the gynaecological community, FIGO is committed to supporting and collaborating on these efforts.

Cervical cancer is a disease that can be prevented – and eliminated – only if the global community truly recognises the value of the lives and health of women.

Read more about FIGO at the Executive Board and other statements made.