Kia ora koutou, This communication is to tell you about an upcoming global day of action led by the World Health Organization that celebrates the world’s commitment to eliminating cervical cancer. This goal is directly related to both screening and immunisation goals at the Ministry. If you could take a look, you may have an idea for something you could do to support the awareness day on Wednesday 17 November, big or small. Background: In May 2018, the World Health Organization’s Director-General announced a global call for action to eliminate cervical cancer. In August 2020 the World Health Assembly adopted the Global Strategy for cervical cancer elimination. This marks the first time the world has committed to eliminate a cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) decided that they would celebrate this historic occasion around the world on November 17 with three key pillars: screening, immunisation and treatment. On this day, the WHO encourages people to organise a local event, raise awareness, set goals, and/or call their friends. Their tagline is “WE CAN END CERVICAL CANCER. Get informed, get screened, get vaccinated". On the day: The National Screening Unit has been working with the Cancer Society to plan communications and activities to celebrate the day. •
A media release by the Cancer Society on the importance of cervical screening and HPV immunisation to achieving this goal with NSU staff quoted.
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Minister Verrall and Minister Allan may be recording a video in recognition of the milestone.
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Part of the celebration includes lighting up a landmark in teal. The Cancer Society has locked in several landmarks around New Zealand, including Eden Park, The Wellington Cable Car and more.
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We will also be getting photos of landmarks and sharing them after the event.
Key messages of our communication on the day will include education around HPV immunisation and the importance of cervical screening. We will provide these in full shortly, alongside a social media tile we have created for the day. If you have anything you are planning for this day, please let us know and we will support it. Equally it would be wonderful if you share any content with us around what you do for the day, even as simple as wearing some teal on the day. More information can be found here.