By Mosamat Umma Kulsum,
14 January, 2026
On 17 November 2025, the world commemorates World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day—designated by the seventy-eighth World Health Assembly as the first official World Health Day dedicated to eliminating a cancer. The stated theme, “Act Now: Eliminate Cervical Cancer”, is a call for bold and coordinated action to ensure women and girls are protected through human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and have access to comprehensive prevention, screening, treatment, and healthcare. 17 November is officially recognised as World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day to mark the anniversary of their global strategy, which was launched in 2020, focusing on vaccination, screening, and treatment to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030 through achieving the World Health Organisation’s 90-70-90 targets.
For its part, Friendship celebrated with a vibrant rally, awareness sessions and screening at Friendship Hospital Shyamnagar, VSC Kurigram & VSC Gaibandha. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early. Through awareness activities, community engagement, and cervical cancer screening services, Friendship’s teams work to reach women in hard-to-reach and underserved communities. Aligned with the WHO Global Strategy (90–70–90) and this year’s theme, “Act Now: Eliminate Cervical Cancer,” Friendship continues to promote HPV vaccination, regular VIA screening, and timely treatment—ensuring that no woman is left behind.
