14 - A Sea Change Starts with a Ripple

Summary

Australia is set to become the world’s first country to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035, shining a light for all to follow. Its government provides nationwide screening, school-wide HPV vaccination, and an equitability program for underresourced communities. Australia’s successes remind us that disease elimination means addressing the needs of all citizens, including those hampered by cultural, geographic, or economic differences. In regions without the capacity or political will to target cervical cancer, grassroots movements and organizations can intervene. Cervical cancer survivors form the backbone of community-based initiatives: holding governments accountable to offer health care access and education. The Zambian-based Teal Sisters is just one of many such organizations offering collective empowerment for its members and advocating for greater support for women’s health. With so much global inequity, so much resistance, and so many women to serve, the hurdles to ending cervical cancer can seem insurmountable. And yet, individuals with passion and commitment – even entire countries – are proving these barriers can be overcome.