As cervical cancer continues to impact millions globally, China is implementing a three-pronged approach combining vaccination, screening, and treatment. With 151,000 new cases reported in 2022 alone, the country's scale makes its prevention efforts critical to global elimination targets set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Vaccination Breakthroughs Reach New Generation
Building on last year's integration of HPV vaccines into the national immunization program, girls born after November 2011 now receive free bivalent vaccinations at age 13. This follows China's 2019 milestone as the third country to develop a domestic HPV vaccine, addressing previous supply and cost challenges.
Screening Infrastructure Expands
"We've optimized screening protocols for rural and urban populations alike," said Professor Zhao Fanghui, whose three decades of research informed current policies. This year sees expanded HPV DNA testing capabilities across county-level hospitals, complemented by AI-assisted diagnosis systems in 12 provinces.
Global Collaboration Intensifies
WHO China representative Martin Taylor praised China's progress as "a model for middle-income nations." The National Cancer Center recently partnered with seven Asian countries to share screening technologies and training protocols, aligning with WHO's 2030 elimination roadmap.
