Response of Bangladesh to the World Health Organization call to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue: An observational report

Health Sci Rep. 2024 Jun 24;7(6):e2178. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.2178. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Abstract

Background: Despite being preventable, cervical cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among Bangladeshi women. This article addresses the trends in Bangladesh's response to the World Health Organization's (WHO) request for the eradication of cervical cancer within the nation.

Discussion: When it comes to cervical cancer, healthcare institutions need to be concerned in terms of protocols for diagnosis and treatment, staff education, and available resources. More than a quarter of all female cancers in Bangladesh are caused by cervical cancer, which can be prevented through better healthcare infrastructure, earlier diagnosis, more qualified healthcare professionals, improved urban and rural hospital infrastructure, community-based clinics, expanded affordable vaccinations, school-based delivery systems, adoption of single-dose vaccine schedules, raising awareness, and compiling a registry of previously affected results. WHO applauds Bangladesh's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for its efforts to develop the National Strategy for cervical cancer prevention and control, which will guide and strengthen the country's activities to prevent and treat cervical cancer.

Conclusion: The endeavor to eradicate this global disease burden should not be limited to Bangladesh; all nations should participate collectively to prevent the malignancy from returning and threatening human civilization.

Keywords: Bangladesh; cervical cancer; human papillomavirus; response to WHO call.