Pacific nation pledges to eliminate cervical cancer

Women in Vanuatu will have access to life-saving screening services, vaccination and treatment as part of a program supported by Australian philanthropist group Minderoo Foundation, in collaboration with multiple organisations.

While Australia is on track to eliminate cervical cancer, women in the neighbouring Pacific Island nation are seven times more likely to die from the disease, which is often caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

Under the initiative, more than 5000 women have already been screened for HPV and by 2025 another 25,000 will benefit from same-day screening, treatment and vaccinations.

Vanuatu Health Minister Leonard Joshua Pikioune says the archipelago nation is the first in the Pacific to commit to eliminating cervical cancer.

"In Vanuatu, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer amongst women," he said.

"Every year we have women who have lost their lives and the number is increasing."

Screening for HPV means people who test positive can be treated quickly, preventing them from developing cancer.

The World Health Organisation estimates eliminating the disease would require vaccinating 90 per cent of girls against HPV before age 15, screening 70 per cent of women at age 35 and again at 45, and ensuring 90 per cent of women diagnosed with cervical pre-cancer and cancer are treated.

Single mum Florina, who lives in Vanuatu's capital Port Vila, received screening and treatment as part of the program.

"I am very grateful that I get to find out earlier so that I can get treatment in time and I can spend time with kids (and) see them grow in the future as some of them are still really small," she said.

"I believe that if we do not come forward to get tested, we may not live as long as we could have, so I think that it is really good that we have this easy access to check up on our health."

In March, a similar initiative was rolled out in Papua New Guinea, allowing access for tens of thousands of women in remote areas.

By the end of the year, the program aims to screen more than 14,000 women.

A total of 30,000 women are due to be screened by June 2025, representing 70 per cent of all eligible women in the Western Highlands province.

Minderoo Foundation cancer prevention head Tess Howard said the success of the Vanuatu and PNG programs could be applied to other nations.

"Global issues need global support to achieve true impact," she said.

"When philanthropy, industry, researchers, community organisations and governments come together, we have the power to advance lasting change for a fairer future for women and their families in the western Pacific."

Australian Associated Press