On 6 July 2007, the Global Call to Stop Cervical Cancer was launched during the World YWCA International Women’s Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.  Over 125 people attended the event from seventeen different countries, filling the room to capacity. Attendees included civil society leaders, three members of the Kenyan Parliament, physicians, health care workers, journalists, and young girl activists.  A dynamic question and answer session followed presentations by six esteemed panelists.  Attendees shared personal testimonials of their experiences with cervical cancer in their communities. The event generated significant global attention both through the media and with key stakeholders. 

The Global Call to Stop Cervical Cancer is a movement aimed at catalyzing the necessary action to ensure that women and girls worldwide get rapid access to life-saving new technologies to prevent cervical cancer.*

The topics discussed by the speakers included:

Moderator

Ms. Sarah Goltz Shelbaya, Director of Advocacy, Global Health Strategies:  Ms. Shelbaya introduced the panel.  She outlined the aims of the Global Call to Stop Cervical Cancer:  to build awareness, create demand, ensure donor support, and mobilize action.  Ms. Shelbaya highlighted the link between HIV and cervical cancer, and the importance of engaging the HIV advocacy community as champions for cervical cancer. 

Panelists

Ms. Daisy Mafubelu, Assistant Director General, Family and Community Health, World Health Organization (WHO):  Ms. Mafuleu presented on public health impact of cervical cancer and the disproportionate burden of disease in developing countries.  Ms. Mafubelu described several difficult policy choices that need to be made to ensure global access to new preventative innovations.  She highlighted the need to close the equity gap, build leadership and partnerships, and mobilize resources.  Ms. Mafubelu closed by emphasizing the WHO’s commitment to preventing cervical cancer worldwide. 

Dr. Florence Manguyu, Senior Policy Advisor, International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and Global Health Consultant, Medical Women's International Association:  Dr. Manguyu presented on new life-saving innovations to prevent cervical cancer, including HPV vaccines, screening, and treatment.  Dr. Manguyu described the role that physicians can play in raising awareness in their countries, in their professional associations, and with their patients. Dr. Manguyu also highlighted the power of physicians as advocates on cervical cancer with national governments and other policy makers.   

Ms. Tara Achayra, Program Officer, Rockefeller Foundation:  Ms. Acharya presented on the need for international donors to provide expanded resources to ensure that new life-saving technologies rapidly reach the women who need them most. She highlighted the necessity for an infusion of new resources, so that support for cervical cancer prevention does not threaten pre-existing funds for other diseases like HIV/AIDS.  She described the need for the development of new partnerships to catalyze the necessary action to ensure global access to life-saving vaccines and screening.

Ms. Natalie Fisher, Deputy General Secretary, World YWCA:  Ms. Fisher described the role of global civil society as catalysts for action and champions with policy makers.  She highlighted the importance of building awareness of the need to ensure worldwide access to life saving technologies to prevent cervical cancer on the international and national levels.

Professor Ruth Oniango, Member of Parliament, Kenya; Vice Chairperson of the Kenya Women’s Parliamentary Association:  Professor Oniango described the need for policymakers to prioritize cervical cancer and prevention at the national level.  The role of national political leaders in being catalysts for change includes: creating a demand for new prevention tools, challenging the delay of the introduction of life-saving technologies to developing countries, and being global ambassadors in activating the international community. Professor Oniango formally presented the Global Call to Stop Cervical Cancer, and called on national political leaders, multilateral agencies, civil society, and health professionals to join the movement to join this advocacy effort.