Global Push to Eliminate Cervical Cancer Grows Stronger at WHO Bali Forum

In June 2025, health ministers, global agencies, donors, and civil society representatives convened at the 2nd Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Forum in Bali, Indonesia. The event marked a renewed and strengthened commitment to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030. Participants announced key policies, financing, and technical pledges to accelerate progress toward the World Health Organization (WHO)’s 90-70–90 targets. This high-level forum brought more than 300 stakeholders from governments, multilateral institutions, non-governmental organizations, and private sector partners together, so as to coordinate strategies and investments. The resulting “Bali Declaration” serves as a unified global roadmap to expand access to HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment, especially in low- and middle-income countries where cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related death among women.

Cervical Cancer: A Preventable Threat to Women’s Health Worldwide

Cervical cancer, primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, remains a significant global health challenge. According to the World Health Organization, cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer in women globally, with approximately 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths reported in 2022. Notably, 94% of these deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Women living with HIV are 6 times more likely to develop cervical cancer, and about 5% of all cases are linked to HIV. Although preventable and treatable, cervical cancer continues to disproportionately affect underserved populations, underscoring the urgency of coordinated global action.

WHO 90-70-90 Targets: A Strategic Framework to Eliminate Cervical Cancer

The World Health Organization has established the 90-70-90 targets as part of its global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern by 2030. This strategy aims for 90% of girls to be fully vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) by the age of 15, 70% of women to be screened using a high-performance test by the ages of 35 and 45, and 90% of those diagnosed with cervical disease to receive appropriate treatment. Achieving progress across all three pillars, vaccination, screening, and treatment, is essential to reaching and maintaining elimination goals on a global scale

Bali Forum Strengthens Global Action Toward Cervical Cancer Elimination

The 2nd Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Forum reinforced international efforts to eliminate cervical cancer through enhanced policy commitments and financial investments. Attended by over 300 delegates, including health ministers and senior officials from multiple regions, the Forum emphasized the need for expanded access to HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment. Key developments included the endorsement of single-dose HPV vaccination regimens, with 75 countries now adopting this approach. In Africa, first-dose coverage rose from 28% in 2022 to 40% in 2023. These efforts are supported by global stakeholders, including the WHO and Gavi.

National Commitments Accelerating Progress Toward Cervical Cancer Elimination

Building on the momentum from the Bali Forum, several countries unveiled concrete national strategies aimed at translating global goals into localized action. 

These country-level efforts prioritize HPV vaccination, broader screening, and improved treatment access, reflecting a unified global commitment to equitable, sustainable, and coordinated cervical cancer elimination by 2030.

Uniting for Impact: Multi-Sectoral Commitments to Eliminate Cervical Cancer

The global campaign to eliminate cervical cancer continues to gain momentum through strengthened, coordinated efforts across multiple sectors. Governments, civil societies, philanthropic foundations, and the private sector are implementing strategic interventions aligned with the WHO’s targets, improve access to prevention, screening, and treatment services.

Innovative Tools Advancing Cervical Cancer Prevention and Care

Global efforts are increasingly leveraging innovation to enhance cervical cancer prevention and care. Key advancements include self-sampling technologies for HPV screening, the adoption of cost-effective single-dose HPV vaccines, and integration of DNA-based testing and co-testing methods. These tools improve accessibility, particularly in low-resource settings, while facilitating early detection and timely treatment. Such innovations are essential to achieving equitable and sustainable elimination of cervical cancer worldwide

Outlook and Strategic Priorities

The 2025 Bali Forum reaffirmed the global commitment to cervical cancer elimination, emphasizing sustained political will, inclusive partnerships, and innovation at scale. It urged nations to set measurable targets, reinforce data systems, and strengthen health workforce capabilities. Addressing systemic inequities, particularly gender-based barriers, and enhancing access to care remain central to the global strategic response.

The global movement to eliminate cervical cancer is gaining unprecedented momentum. The 2025 Bali Forum marked a pivotal step toward realizing the WHO’s 2030 elimination strategy by aligning stakeholders around shared priorities, actionable policies, and impactful investments. With sustained collaboration and a commitment to equity, it is possible to make cervical cancer the first cancer eliminated as a public health problem, safeguarding the health and futures of millions of women and girls worldwide.