Bangladesh has been recognised for its progress towards eliminating cervical cancer after launching a nationwide single-dose Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme targeting girls aged 10 to 14, according to a report released at the Commonwealth Health Coordination Forum 2026 in Geneva. The report, titled “Compendium of Case Studies on Cervical Cancer Elimination,” highlighted the country’s efforts to reach millions of girls and strengthen follow-up through digital tracking, said a press release.
During the first phase in October 2023, over 1.5 million girls in Dhaka Division received the HPV vaccine. The second phase, rolled out nationwide in October 2024, aimed to vaccinate more than 6.2 million girls across the remaining divisions. Bangladesh was represented at the Geneva forum by State Minister for Health and Family Welfare MA Muhith.
Prepared in collaboration with member governments and Roche Diagnostics, the report presented case studies from 12 Commonwealth countries, illustrating how nations are advancing cervical cancer elimination through vaccination, screening, treatment, and healthcare services despite financial and systemic constraints.
Other countries featured included Australia, Belize, Fiji, Kenya, Nigeria, Malaysia, and Zambia. Zambia showcased a “single-visit screen-and-treat” model integrated with HIV platforms, while Antigua and Barbuda demonstrated phased implementation and digital monitoring for small island settings.
In a message to the forum, President of Guyana Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali said, “No single country can eliminate this cancer alone. Therefore, deeper collaboration across the Commonwealth and beyond is essential,” said a press statement.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey highlighted the role of First Ladies and spouses of Heads of Government, introducing a Cervical Cancer Advocacy Toolkit to raise public awareness and inspire strategic action on women’s health.
Forum Chair and former Guyanese Health Minister Leslie Ramsammy said the meeting focused on strengthening national cancer control plans, improving early detection, expanding access to treatment and palliative care, and enhancing data systems for better planning and accountability.
WHO Assistant Director-General Dr Jeremy Farrar said, “To combat cancer effectively, we must view prevention, protection, and treatment as interconnected priorities. Health systems must become equitable and accessible for everyone,” said the forum.
Held ahead of the 79th World Health Assembly, the forum will conclude on 20 May with a special side event on youth mental health, organised jointly by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry. Recommendations from the forum will inform future meetings of Commonwealth Health Ministers, while the CHCF will serve as a ministerial-level coordination platform between CHMM meetings under the Strategic Plan 2025–2030.
