Eradicating cervical cancer: Lessons learned from Rwanda and Australia

Both Rwanda and Australia have made significant strides to eradicate cervical cancer. To understand the successes in Rwanda and Australia, a comparative policy analysis was conducted based on key informant interviews and a review of peer-reviewed literature and policy briefs. Notable findings were identified that offer lessons for countries across the income spectrum. To address cervical cancer, low- and middle-income countries can leverage foreign aid, international collaboration, and strong political advocacy, as Rwanda did. High-income countries can invest in translational research that builds capacity from basic science research to implementation of novel and impactful health products and services, as Australia did. All countries can consider rolling out HPV vaccination by targeting the social and/or physical environment (e.g., a school-based vaccination program, as both Rwanda and Australia did). Cervical cancer is preventable, and eradication is within reach for countries across the income spectrum around the world. Cervical cancer screening programs are needed to minimize the incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer in the short term, and HPV vaccination programs are the best strategy to eradicate cervical cancer in the long term.