Lacy Hubbard: WHO’s Global Push for Cervical Cancer Elimination – Reflections from Stockholm
Lacy Hubbard, President and CEO of Elekta Foundation, shared on LinkedIn:
“WHO’s Global Push for Cervical Cancer Elimination – Reflections from Stockholm
This past week in Stockholm was a powerful reminder that cervical cancer elimination is not just a goal—it is a priority for the World Health Organization (WHO).
We had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Guy Fones, NCD Director, and Dr. Prebo Barango, cross-cutting specialist from WHO Headquarters. Together, we met with the Swedish Foreign Ministry, Health and Social Ministry, and various government authorities. We also had great discussions with Prof. Joakim Dillner and his research team at Karolinska Institutet, as well as Ulrika Årehed Kågström at Cancerfonden.
It was clear that Sweden is setting the pace with its commitment to eliminate cervical cancer by 2027—three years ahead of the WHO deadline! By integrating policy, technology, and access to care, Sweden is proving that elimination is possible with the right approach. Sweden’s expertise can help guide other countries on their elimination journey.
During our time in Stockholm, Forskaren also organized a breakfast talk, where Dr. Fones and Dr. Barango shared insights on this critical topic. I also shared how the Elekta Foundation’s innovative FAST model has accelerated screening in Rwanda, leading to Mission 2027. Last month in Kigali, Rwanda launched this bold initiative aiming to reach the WHO’s 90-70-90 targets by 2027.
As a Swedish foundation working in Rwanda, I am incredibly proud of the commitment from both nations—showing the world that elimination can be achieved in both high-income and low-income settings.
The Path Forward: How You Can Help
- Policymakers: Increase funding and strengthen national cervical cancer strategies.
- Private sector & academia: Innovate faster to make screening and treatment more accessible.
- NGOs & philanthropists:
Join us!
We have an opportunity to wipe out a cancer from Earth. But we have just five years left. The clock is ticking—WE MUST ACT NOW!”
More posts featuring Lacy Hubbard.
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OncoThon 2024, Online
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Global Summit on War & Cancer 2023, Online
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