The UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) has chosen « Cervical cancer and HIV––Addressing linkages and common inequalities to save women’s lives » as the thematic segment for the 47th PCB meeting. This segment recognizes the dual burden of HIV infection and cervical cancer on women and adolescent girls, and acknowledges that both diseases are linked to inequalities and health disparities.
This thematic segment focuses on reducing disparities and inequities within and across countries and communities, as well as on tackling stigma and discrimination to achieve good health and quality of life outcomes for women and girls living with, affected by, and at risk of HIV, human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. Key considerations are:
- the urgent need to address the links between HIV, HPV and cervical cancer;
- using the opportunities for collaboration between HIV programmes, HPV and cervical cancer, sexual and reproductive health (including sexually transmitted infections), noncommunicable diseases, Universal Health Care and primary health- care programmes, and strengthening multisectoral, community-based and -led responses in addressing the common health, gender and socioeconomic inequities, and human rights concerns related to HIV, HPV and cervical cancer; and
- using the potential for HIV and HPV and cervical cancer programmes to work together to address specific and diverse challenges and needs, and to achieve Universal Health Coverage.