The Cervical Cancer Elimination Consortium Bangladesh, hosted by the Institute for Developing Science and Health Initiatives (ideSHi), organized a seminar on 29th November, 2025 to observe World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day 2025. The event was held at the SSQ Conference Hall, ideSHi, with the aim of accelerating national efforts toward the elimination of cervical cancer in Bangladesh.
We were honored to have Mr. Md. Saidur Rahman, Secretary, Health Service Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as the Chief Guest. In his address, he highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening HPV vaccination programs, early screening, and nationwide awareness initiatives. He emphasized that cervical cancer is preventable and underscored the importance of collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, researchers, and community stakeholders.
Welcome remarks were delivered by Dr. Md. Rofiqul Rahman, Chief Operating Officer, ideSHi. Additional speeches were presented by Dr. Kasrina Azad, Assistant Scientist, ideSHi; Dr. Syed Hasan Abdullah, Country Head, Safety Net; Dr. Quamrun Nahar, Country Ambassador, IPVS; Riad Mahmud, UNICEF; Sudhir Joshi, WHO; and Prof. Dr. Sayeba Akhter, Chairman, BMRC.
The speakers discussed policy priorities, existing challenges, and the importance of reaching vulnerable and underserved populations—including adolescent girls, women in hard-to-reach areas, and marginalized communities. They emphasized inclusive health strategies, expansion of HPV vaccination programs, and improved access to screening facilities.
Speakers further noted that ideSHi and its partner organizations continue to play a vital role in cervical cancer elimination through ongoing awareness campaigns, research initiatives, and capacity-building efforts across the country.
The event concluded with a collective call for all sectors to work together to achieve national and global targets in alignment with the WHO Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative.
