Cervical cancer is a preventable cancer. However, cervical cancer is the most frequent cancer among women in the country. In a collective effort to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, a two-day International Cancer Symposium began in the capital, today. Her Majesty the Queen Mother Tseyring Pem Wangchuck graced the inaugural session.
Addressing the gathering, Her Majesty the Queen Mother said that cervical cancer is a preventable disease.
Her Majesty added that there should be a collective determination to ensure women live free of cervical cancer.
In Bhutan, cervical cancer ranks as the fourth leading cause of death among women aged 15 to 44. The story is not different, globally.
According to the United Nations Fund for Population Activities, about 350,000 women died globally from cervical cancer in 2020. The annual number of new cervical cancer cases is projected to reach around 700,000 by 2030.
As a response to these concerns, Bhutan made a commitment to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, four years ago. To meet the commitment, the country adopted comprehensive strategies such as nationwide screening initiatives, HPV vaccinations, and treatment follow-ups.
“This is historic because it was also during this period in 2020 that Bhutan introduced the HPV vaccine for boys adopting a gender-neutral approach to vaccination. Bhutan already has 97 per cent coverage of the HPV vaccine for boys and girls, which is probably one of the highest. We are the only middle-income country in the world where we have introduced HPV vaccines for boys as well,” said Dechen Wangmo, the minister for health.
To achieve the goal of eliminating cervical cancer, the International Cancer Symposium brought together experts, healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, community leaders, and patients.
“This is a disease that no woman should suffer, and that not a single woman should die off. So, that is our commitment. And by 2030, we will be very serious. We will achieve this, and we will invite every year such symposiums and more representation from the international world to see how we can collectively work towards it,” said Pemba Wangchuk, the acting secretary of the health ministry.
The symposium highlighted the need for every individual to work together in achieving this goal since it is not just women’s disease.
“We have to educate our people, not just women. Women get the disease, but men are equally involved. We are partners in this and therefore I think together we must look at how we can prevent this disease,” added Pemba Wangchuk, the acting secretary.
At the symposium, Her Majesty the Queen Mother launched a book titled, ‘Bhutan’s Journey Towards Elimination of Cervical Cancer’.
The book highlights Bhutan’s progress in its battle to eliminate cervical cancer.
Devika Pradhan/Singye Dema
Edited by Sherub Dorji
