Pacific leaders, clinicians and researchers say cervical cancer elimination is within reach, as global evidence shows the disease can be virtually eradicated within a generation.

Speaking at the Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa Research Symposium 2026 on Wednesday, a panel on eliminating cervical cancer brought together regional experts including facilitator Dr Audrey Aumua, CEO Fred Hollows Foundation NZ, to map a Pacific pathway; with a focus on culture, equity and rising momentum across the region.

Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa co-director Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga said results from countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia show what is possible.

"The evidence is now very clear. In countries where HPV vaccination is high and screening is strong, cervical cancer is disappearing in younger women. This is not theoretical, we are seeing it happen," he said.

"For the Pacific, the question is not whether we can eliminate cervical cancer, but how quickly we can do it."

In England, no women aged 20-24 died from cervical cancer between 2020 and 2024; with a 100 per cent reduction in mortality among those vaccinated as adolescents. Australia, which introduced vaccination earlier, has recorded no cervical cancer cases among women under the age of 25 and is now on track to eliminate the disease as a public health problem.

Pacific-led solutions already gaining ground

Symposium speakers highlighted that Pacific communities are already driving change; particularly through HPV self-testing.

Director and founder of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine Professor Bev Lawton said self-testing uptake is strong, with 79-82 percent of women are choosing self-testing.

Around one in ten tests are HPV-positive, reinforcing the need for timely diagnostics.

Self-testing is breaking down long-standing barriers such as embarrassment, time constraints and discomfort with clinic-based exams. Women are also encouraging participation across generations, with younger women embracing the approach as a way to take control of their health.

Culture, access and trust are critical

Panel members stressed that eliminating cervical cancer in the Pacific requires solutions grounded in lived experience.

Co-director Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa Moananu Dr Kara Okesene-Gafa described how cultural values—including privacy, modesty and deeply held taboos—continue to affect participation in screening.

"For many Pacific women, these examinations are highly sensitive. If our health systems don't reflect that reality, women simply won't engage," she said.

Speakers called for more Māori and Pacific clinicians and specialists, better cultural competency across the workforce, and services designed around Pacific values and contexts

System gaps remain a challenge

While prevention tools are improving, access to treatment remains uneven.

Plenary speaker senior gynaecological oncologist and academic Dr Ai Ling Tan from University of Sydney, highlighted ongoing challenges across the region, including limited access to radiotherapy and barriers to overseas care such as visas, transport and support for families.

There were strong calls for greater regional coordination and long-term investment in workforce development and health infrastructure.

Co-director Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa and Head of School Population Health, Professor Judith McCool emphasised the importance of partnership.

"Countries need to lead their own solutions, with strong regional collaboration. That's how we build sustainable progress," she said.

Coordinated Pacific approach underway

Momentum is building through a Pacific-led initiative coordinated by Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, supported by a $5.1 million Matariki Fund investment.

The program will scale HPV vaccination to at least 90 percent coverage, cervical self-testing to 70 percent of eligible women, and timely diagnostics and treatment pathways.

Aligned with the World Health Organization's 90-70-90 targets, the initiative will begin in the Cook Islands and Niue before expanding across the region.

A generation-defining opportunity

Professor Tukuitonga said the Pacific is well positioned to act.

"We have the knowledge, we have the tools, and we have strong Pacific leadership," he said.

"If we bring these together in ways that work for our communities, cervical cancer elimination is entirely achievable within our lifetime."