Dear HIFA colleagues,
This paper is of particular interest to HIFA as we prepare for our WHO-sponsored project: a global conversation on improving uptake of cervical cancer screening and treatment, 19 October to 30 November 2026
https://www.hifa.org/news/join-hifa-global-conversation-improving-uptake...
Citation, abstract and comment from me below.
CITATION: Global feasibility of cervical cancer elimination: a multidimensional scenario-based modelling analysis across 175 countries
Mauricio A Cuello et al. The Lancet Global Health, Volume 14, Issue 9
ABSTRACT
Cervical cancer remains a major cause of preventable cancer mortality worldwide. Progress towards elimination remains uneven, with persistent disparities in health system capacity, governance, and education. Existing models often rely on income classifications, overlooking structural determinants critical for success. We aimed to evaluate the global feasibility of cervical cancer elimination under structurally differentiated policy scenarios.
Methods
We developed a multidimensional scenario-based model integrating 270 structural indicators obtained from WHO, IARC, UN, World Bank, and other international databases across 175 countries...
Findings
Structural readiness was more strongly associated with elimination feasibility than income classification. Of 175 countries, 48 were more likely than not (probability ≥0·50) to meet both WHO elimination targets by 2050 under Comprehensive Progress, compared with 15 under Empowerment, two under Vaccination Focus, and none under Inertia. Across countries, estimated probabilities ranged from near 0·00 in several high-burden settings to 1·00 in some high-readiness countries. Mortality reductions lagged incidence declines across all scenarios.
Interpretation
Achieving cervical cancer elimination globally will require strategies addressing systemic barriers beyond vaccination. Integrating education, health infrastructure, and targeted financing is essential, but many countries will remain above elimination thresholds without sustained policy engagement and equitable resource allocation.
COMMENT (NPW): The findings appear to emphasise the importance of scrreening and treatment, which will be the main focus of our HIFA project. As we state on our landing page, 'In many settings, the uptake of screening and treatment services remains suboptimal, limiting opportunities for early detection, timely care and prevention of avoidable deaths.'
Best wishes, Neil
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org