Eradicating cervical cancer: Lessons learned from Rwanda and Australia

Abstract

Both Rwanda and Australia have made significant strides to eradicate cervical cancer. To understand the successes in Rwanda and Australia, a comparative policy analysis was conducted based on key informant interviews and a review of peer‐reviewed literature and policy briefs. Notable findings were identified that offer lessons for countries across the income spectrum. To address cervical cancer, low‐ and middle‐income countries can leverage foreign aid, international collaboration, and strong political advocacy, as Rwanda did. High‐income countries can invest in translational research that builds capacity from basic science research to implementation of novel and impactful health products and services, as Australia did. All countries can consider rolling out HPV vaccination by targeting the social and/or physical environment (e.g., a school‐based vaccination program, as both Rwanda and Australia did). Cervical cancer is preventable, and eradication is within reach for countries across the income spectrum around the world. Cervical cancer screening programs are needed to minimize the incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer in the short term, and HPV vaccination programs are the best strategy to eradicate cervical cancer in the long term.

Global trends and age-specific incidence and mortality of cervical cancer from 1990 to 2019: an international comparative study based on the Global Burden of Disease

“…In high-income countries such as Australia, the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in women are expected to be reduced to a very low level due to HPV vaccination. Simultaneously, HPV-based screening has also been shown to be more efficacious at detecting cervical precancers than the original cytological methods 16 17. Unfortunately, the introduction of vaccine and screening programmes in LMICs has been restricted by cost, cultural challenges and difficulties in reaching the target population 6 18.…”

“…Simultaneously, HPV-based screening has also been shown to be more efficacious at detecting cervical precancers than the original cytological methods. 16 17 Unfortunately, the introduction of vaccine and screening programmes in LMICs has been restricted by cost, cultural challenges and difficulties in reaching the target population. 6 18 To accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer, effective cancer control programmers, infrastructure development and further government investment need to be established in LMICs.…”

Thousands of Women’s Lives Depend on the Improvement of Poland’s Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention Education as Well as Better Networking Strategies Amongst Cervical Cancer Facilities

“…On the basis of the patient’s case ( Supplementary Materials S1 ), we should emphasize the importance of the adequate education of women regarding the possibility of primary and secondary preventions of cervical cancer and how important it is to promote vaccinations among parents, girls, and also boys [ 41 ].…”

Cervical cancer in Nepal: Current screening strategies and challenges

“…One shining example of these efforts is a Sub-Saharan African nation: Rwanda has rolled out the comprehensive cervical cancer program and had incredible success in the HPV vaccination coverage across the nation. The coverage rate is comparable to the high-income countries and is on the verge of eradication ( 81 ). A robust vaccination strategy and human resource framework led to this spectacular success in Rwanda.…”