MSD Ireland: A Path Toward Cervical Cancer Elimination by 2040

At MSD Ireland, we are committed to harnessing the power of leading-edge science to address some of the world’s biggest healthcare challenges. Through tireless research, we are dedicated to accelerating life-changing innovation and solutions for diseases like cervical cancer, that can help save and improve patients’ lives globally – driving the future of pharma and health from MSD Ireland to the world.

On November 17, 2023, Ireland took a significant step in this journey by launching its target date to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2040.i This monumental initiative aligns with the global drive spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO) and brings Ireland one step closer to joining countries like Sweden and Australia who are close to eliminating cervical cancer by as soon as 2030 ii and 2035 iii respectively.

Ireland will take yet another step toward this incredible target in 2024 when the National Plan to eliminate cervical cancer is launched on the 15th of November 2024, coinciding with the anniversary of the WHO global initiative launched in 2018 to target eliminating cervical cancer.

A Historic Opportunity for Ireland

This elimination target marks an important milestone not only for the global fight against cervical cancer but also for Ireland to potentially eliminate a cancer for the first time. The prospect of eliminating cervical cancer in our lifetime is within reach, with the potential to save countless lives. Cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women globally, with an estimated 265 cases iv diagnosed annually in Ireland alone, and 85 lives lost each year to this disease. v

Yet, with a combination of increased vaccination, enhanced screening, and more comprehensive treatment, vi we can work towards a future where no woman must endure the devastation of a cervical cancer diagnosis on these shores. The World Health Organisation global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem with the following targets:

  • 90% of girls fully vaccinated with HPV vaccine by age 15; vii
  • 70% of women are screened with a high-performance test by 35, and again by 45 years of age; viii
  • 90% of women identified with cervical disease receive treatment. ix

Ireland’s goal to eliminate cervical cancer is particularly poignant when considering the human impact. The pain of a life-threatening diagnosis, the stress of treatment, and the toll it takes on families can be avoided through effective preventative measures.

 

HPV and Cervical Cancer

HPV is a common virus that can cause cancers later in life. x Almost every unvaccinated person who is sexually active will get HPV at some time in their life. xi HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus, even if they don’t have signs or symptoms. xii Most HPV infections go away by themselves within 2 years. Sometimes, however, HPV infections will last longer and can cause some cancers.

HPV infections can cause cancers of the: cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, the back of the throat (called oropharyngeal cancer), including the base of the tonsils. xiii HPV causes almost 5% of cancers worldwide xiv and 99% of cervical cancer. xv

The Power of Science and Innovation

At MSD, we are proud to be part of the global effort to tackle cancer, including cervical cancer. Our work in creating innovative medications and vaccines is helping to pave the way toward eliminating this disease. In the 50 years since we first established our presence in Ireland, the idea of eliminating a cancer like cervical cancer was unimaginable. Today, through collaboration with healthcare providers, government bodies, NGO’s, patient organisations, and other life sciences companies, we are closer than ever to achieving this goal.

In May 2018, the WHO Director-General announced a global call for action to eliminate cervical cancer, an ambitious, concerted, and inclusive strategy has been developed to guide the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. xvi

Sustained and coordinated effort needed to achieve elimination

Cervical cancer elimination in Ireland will require sustained efforts across vaccination, screening, and treatment to achieve and maintain the following goals, set out by the HSE:

  • increase HPV vaccination rates for girls by age 15 from 80% to 90% by 2030; i
  • maintain cervical screening coverage above 70% (currently at 73%); i and
  • maintain the number of women receiving treatment above 90% (currently at 97%). i

 

Building a Brighter Future

The Irish government’s launch of a formal elimination target is a bold and ambitious step, one that sets Ireland on a path toward becoming a leader in global public health. xvii By continuing to prioritise prevention, awareness, and treatment, Ireland can become a model for other countries, demonstrating the power of collective action in eliminating a devastating disease.

At MSD Ireland, we remain committed to supporting this goal. As a key player in the life sciences sector, we are proud of the impact our work has had on public health in Ireland and globally. Together, through innovation, collaboration, and continued dedication, we can help create a future where cervical cancer is no longer a threat.

 

i HSE.ie – Together towards elimination: Ireland on track to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 https://www2.healthservice.hse.ie/organisation/nss/news/together-towards-elimination-ireland-on-track-to- eliminate-cervical-cancer-by-2040/#:~:text=To%20reach%20our%20goal%20to,currently%20at%2073%25)%3B%20and
ii Economist Impact – September 2023 – “A global blueprint for cervical cancer elimination: learnings from Sweden”. Available from: https://impact.economist.com/perspectives/health/global-blueprint-cervical-cancer- elimination-learnings-sweden#:~:text=The%20report%20describes%20the%20exemplary
iii Australian Government – Department of Health and Aged Care, “National Strategy for Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Australia – 17th November 2023. Available: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-strategy-for-the-elimination-of-cervical-cancer-in- australia?language=en#:~:text=This%20strategy%20sets%20Australian%20targets
iv NCRI. Cancer Trends – HPV-associated cancers. 2017 [cited 2024, 23 September]; Available from: https://www.ncri.ie/sites/ncri/files/pubs/NCRI_HPVRelatedCancers_2024_0.pdf
v NCRI. Cancer Trends – HPV-associated cancers. 2017 [cited 2024, 23 September]; Available from: https://www.ncri.ie/sites/ncri/files/pubs/NCRI_HPVRelatedCancers_2024_0.pdf
vi WHO – “Human papillomavirus and cancer”, published 4th March 2024 [Cited 2024, 31 October] – https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papilloma-virus-and-cancer#:~:text=Persistent%20HPV%20infection%20with%20high-risk
vii WHO – “Human papillomavirus and cancer”, published 4th March 2024 [Cited 2024, 31 October] – https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papilloma-virus-and-cancer#:~:text=Persistent%20HPV%20infection%20with%20high-risk
viii WHO – “Human papillomavirus and cancer”, published 4th March 2024 [Cited 2024, 31 October] – https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papilloma-virus-and-cancer#:~:text=Persistent%20HPV%20infection%20with%20high-risk
ix WHO – “Human papillomavirus and cancer”, published 4th March 2024 [Cited 2024, 31 October] – https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papilloma-virus-and-cancer#:~:text=Persistent%20HPV%20infection%20with%20high-risk
x CDC. About HPV. 2023 [cited 2024, 23 September]; Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/about-hpv.html.
xi CDC. Reasons to get HPV Vaccine. 2021 [cited 2024, 23 September]; Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine/six-reasons.html.
xii CDC. About HPV. 2023 [cited 2024, 23 September]; Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/about-hpv.html.
xiii CDC. About HPV. 2023 [cited 2024, 23 September]; Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/about-hpv.html.
xiv Institute, N.C. HPV and Cancer. 2023 [cited 2024, 23 September]; Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious– agents/hpv-and- cancer#:~:text=Worldwide%2C%20the%20burden%20of%20HPV,HPV%2Drelat ed%20cancer%20each%20year.
xv WHO – “Cervical Cancer”, [cited 2024, 23 September]; Available from: https://www.who.int/health-topics/cervical-cancer#tab=tab_1
xvi WHO: Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative. 2022. [cited 2024, 24 September] Available from: https://www.who.int/initiatives/cervical-cancer-elimination-initiative
xvii HSE: The Cervical Cancer Elimination Partnership: National Public Consultation. 2023. [cited 2024, 24 September] Available from: https://www2.healthservice.hse.ie/organisation/nss/cervical-cancer- elimination/#:~:text=The%20Cervical%20Cancer%20Elimination%20Partnership,national%20public% 20consultation%20in%202024.

 

IE-GSL-00177