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Silvia Romeo: What if we could eliminate one of the most preventable cancers in the world?

Silvia Romeo/LinkedIn

Nov 16, 2024, 12:12

Silvia Romeo: What if we could eliminate one of the most preventable cancers in the world?

Silvia Romeo, Policy Officer at European Cancer Organisation, shared on LinkedIn:

“What if we could eliminate one of the most preventable cancers in the world?

Last week I had the privilege of representing the European Cancer Organisation at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Regional Alliance Annual Forum in Istanbul.

The focus? The urgent need for robust HPV policies and the EU commitment to ensuring girls and boys are fully vaccinated against HPV.

While cervical and other HPV-related cancers are largely preventable through vaccination and screening, gaps still exist – especially in policy, access, and education. Too many people, particularly in low-resource settings, continue to face significant barriers to prevention and care.

What struck me the most during the Forum was the power of collaboration across the EECA region. Whether it’s local governments, global organisations or civil society, we must work together to ensure that the tools we have are used to their full potential.

Cancer doesn’t stop at borders – and neither should countries’ committment. It’s time to make this vision a reality so that no one – anywhere in the world – has to suffer from a disease that can be prevented.

By aligning our efforts, we can close the gaps.”

Silvia Romeo

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Silvia Romeo is a Policy Officer at the European Cancer Organisation and a Youth4Health Network Member at the WHO Regional Office for Europe. She serves on the Mission Board on Vaccination in Europe, is an Editorial Board Member for Vaccines Today, and a Steering Group Member of IPSE (Italians for European Health Policies). Silvia has expertise in public affairs and EU policy, focusing on youth, healthcare, education, and digitalization.