November 17th, 2027

World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day is observed every year on November 17, the anniversary of the 2020 launch of the World Health Organization's global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. The World Health Assembly made the day official in May 2025, making it the first world health day dedicated to eliminating a cancer. Cervical cancer is almost always caused by persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), and it is one of the few cancers that can be largely prevented through vaccination, regular screening, and early treatment. The WHO strategy sets 2030 targets: 90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15, 70% of women screened with a high-performance test by ages 35 and 45, and 90% of women with cervical disease receiving treatment. Health agencies, clinics, and advocacy groups use the day to promote HPV vaccination and screening and to close the gaps in access that cause most cervical cancer deaths to occur in low- and middle-income countries.