Advances made toward the elimination of cervical cancer through evidence-based decision-making

During the 2024–2025 biennium, PAHO made a strategic contribution to advancing Paraguay’s efforts toward the elimination of cervical cancer, in alignment with the 90–70–90 targets of the global strategy. PAHO’s technical cooperation was key to strengthening organized screening through the implementation of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as the primary screening technology in 16 of the country’s 17 departments, including the capital, accompanied by systematic training processes for health personnel in sample collection, clinical management, and timely referral. This technological shift enabled the expansion of screening coverage to near-universal levels, increasing the early detection of precancerous lesions using more sensitive and cost-effective methods.

In addition, PAHO supported the analysis and use of regional and global scientific evidence, which facilitated the adoption of single-dose HPV vaccination schedules to optimize programmatic efficiency and expand population coverage for primary prevention. This technical support strengthened the country’s evidence-informed decision-making, aligning national policy with updated recommendations and financial sustainability criteria. Moreover, the Organization supported the design of a national campaign that strengthened risk communication, promoted informed demand for services, and contributed to improving social acceptance of preventive interventions.

These results at the policy, capacity, and coverage levels consolidate a comprehensive approach to secondary and primary prevention, strengthen health system stewardship, and create enabling conditions for reducing the incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer in the medium and long term. This achievement demonstrates PAHO’s capacity to catalyze scalable, sustainable, and replicable interventions, with verifiable national-level results and strong potential impact on women’s health.

Photo caption: Gynecological care at the regional hospital Fuerte Olimpo, Alto Paraguay Department, Chaco.

Credit: PAHO/Bruno Ferreiro.