Cancer control a clear message at GAVI Alliance Partners’ Forum.

The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and the GAVI Alliance team up to inspire governments on integration of HPV immunization into national cancer control plans.

On the eve of the GAVI Alliance Partners’ Forum in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, which convenes over 500 global health and government leaders, GAVI and UICC team-up to host a networking reception introducing civil society organizations, cancer control advocates and government leaders. The message is simple - accelerated integration of HPV immunization into national cancer control plans.

With 2012 marking the first year eligible countries are able apply for GAVI support to introduce HPV vaccine against cervical cancer, this networking reception aims to facilitate long-lasting cooperation between governments, local and global CSOs in the fields of immunization, adolescent and reproductive health with those active in cancer control for an integrative approach to introduction of HPV immunization into those countries which need it most, building on existing strong health services in the community and levering the support of civil society.

"Inclusion of HPV vaccine into the GAVI portfolio of vaccines, along with the inclusion of a global indicator on HPV immunization in the Global Monitoring Framework on Noncommunicable Diseases, which governments approved last month, sends a strong message to the world’s women, that all countries are truly committed to eliminating cervical cancer - a preventable conditions which is undermining gender equality, especially in Africa says Deputy CEO of UICC Julie Torode. Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of premature death and ill health among women in sub-Saharan Africa The Eastern, Western and Southern African regions have the highest incidence rates of cervical cancer in the world (Globocan REF) with rates exceed 50 per 100,000 populations and mortality exceeding 40 per 100,000 populations.