Prof. Daniel Kelly Represents ECO at the United Nations General Assembly 2024

 

On 25 September, during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Prof. Daniel Kelly, representing the European Cancer Organisation and ECO's HPV and Hep B Action Network, participated in a critical meeting to discuss accelerating the elimination of cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers.

HPV is responsible for over 570,000 new cases of cervical cancer and 311,000 deaths annually. The WHO’s "Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer" sets ambitious population targets to be achieved by 2030: 90% HPV vaccination rates; 70% HPV screening rates; and 90% prevention rates for girls and women. However, progress has been slow due to insufficient funding, vaccine hesitancy, and inequalities in access.

During the event, Prof. Kelly said:

'This meeting brought together representatives from several governments and international organisations to discuss how to reach consensus on eliminating cervical and other HPV cancers. The European Cancer Organisation's HPV Action Network now has 5 years of  experience to draw upon to help influence the G7's response to prevent these cancers through screening and vaccination.'

The meeting reinforced the importance of global collaboration and political will in combating HPV-related cancers. As the international community continues to work towards the WHO's 2030 targets, events like this play a crucial role in shaping policy and accelerating efforts to eliminate cervical cancer.

To learn more about HPV and ECO's efforts towards its elimination for a HPV cancer-free generation, visit the ECO HPV and Hep B Action Network’s page, the HPV Action Now page and the webpage of the landmark EU4Health project PROTECT-EUROPE.