Vaccine would prevent millions of deaths

CARTAGENA (EFE).— The vaccine against cervical cancer can prevent 62 million deaths in the next century, said the director of the Department of Noncommunicable Diseases of the World Health Organization (WHO), Bente Mikkelsen.

The official spoke to the press about the installation of the first World Forum for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer, which is being held to this day in Cartagena de Indias.

“We hope to prevent 62 million deaths in the next century, that will require a massive and unimaginable mobilization in terms of screening and treatment and we need all actors to be involved as a society,” he stated.

Mikkelsen recalled that in 2020 the WHO strategy to eliminate cervical cancer in all countries was adopted and this meeting in Cartagena, attended by more than 300 experts from several countries, represents the opportunity to take action. “Just four years ago, the countries of the world came together in a unique and historic commitment and promise in terms of protecting families against cervical cancer, which is a threat to families,” he said.

In that sense, Mikkelsen pointed out that there is “a vaccine that is so effective to prevent this type of cancer and there is no excuse not to apply it.”

According to the WHO official, “only 42% of low-income countries have introduced the vaccine into vaccination agendas and the numbers are higher in developed countries,” but they are not enough.

“The WHO has entrusted this commitment to each country by 2030, within seven years,” said Mikkelsen, who added that “this promise requires action,” which is why it is necessary to “send a message to the world about the eradication of cervical cancer.” ”.