Cervical Cancer Elimination in Australia and the Asia Pacific: Progress and Barriers

Australia has been at the forefront of innovation and implementation of cervical cancer control and is predicted to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035, the first country to achieve elimination using active measures. This is a result of Australia being an early adopter of universal human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and early transition to a primary HPV-based cervical screening program. However, to ensure timely and equitable elimination, disparities in coverage among underserved populations must be addressed, and recent declines in vaccination and screening uptake must be reversed. Improved routine data linkages are required to ensure gaps in participation in subpopulations can be identified. Primary health providers have an important role in checking vaccination and screening status and offering vaccination catch-up or screening as appropriate. A universal option of self-collection of an HPV sample for all screen-eligible people has increased acceptability overall, but further innovative and flexible models of service delivery are required to ensure equitable access for all. Australia has also played an important role in cervical cancer control globally and was a co-sponsor of the 2020 World Health Assembly resolution to accelerate the global elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. In the Indo-Pacific region, regional frameworks have been developed to advance strategic actions to progress implementation of the global strategy. The Elimination Partnership in the Indo-Pacific for Cervical Cancer (EPICC), a major initiative supported by the Australian Government and the Minderoo Foundation, provides tailored support to countries, considering local needs and priorities.