First Lady Dr. Jill Biden on Galvanizing Global Action to Eliminate Cervical Cancer at the Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Forum
The First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, ignited a passionate call to action at the historic Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Forum in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. Building on the momentum of the President and First Lady’s Cancer Moonshot, she championed the Biden-Harris Administration's resolute commitment to eliminate cervical cancer from our world. In her address, she galvanized leaders and advocates alike, reaffirming our collective mission to bring about tangible progress in the fight against this devastating disease.
Every two minutes, a woman dies from cervical cancer, although the knowledge and the tools to prevent and even treat this disease already exist. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) — the leading cause of cervical cancer — can prevent the vast majority of cases. Combined with screening and treatment, this comprehensive approach offers a proven pathway to elimination.
Global programmatic commitments that demonstrate the U.S. dedication to accelerate efforts towards ending cervical cancer as we know it:
Increase the Availability and Use of the HPV Vaccine Globally.
Annually, the United States contributes $290 million (FY23) in Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance to expand access to new and underutilized high-impact vaccines, such as HPV. This contribution directly supports low- and middle-income countries to access, introduce, and increase coverage of HPV vaccines to reach girls, especially in countries with high burdens of cervical cancer. Through this long standing partnership, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will continue to support partner countries to incorporate the HPV vaccine into national policies and routine immunization systems. We will innovate, test, and implement new ways to introduce the HPV vaccine in harder-to-reach sub-populations, such as out-of-school girls, to break down barriers and build confidence in and uptake of the vaccine.
Expand Prevention, Screening, and Treatment of Cervical Cancer for Populations Living with HIV Through the U.S. Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
Through the U.S. Presidential Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR), USAID aims to reach adolescent girls and young women who face a double burden of epidemics through shared risk factors associated with HPV and HIV. Starting this year, USAID will support the integration of existing HPV vaccine services with the Go Further Partnership to End AIDS and Cervical Cancer, DREAMS, and orphans and vulnerable children programs to prevent cervical cancer and HIV transmission at an early stage, and to enhance comprehensive access to cervical cancer screening and treatment services for girls and women.