New Zealand Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan 2026-2040 launched
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Tēnā koe,
We are pleased to share that the New Zealand Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan 2026-2040 was officially launched on 1 September 2026, providing a long-term national framework for achieving cervical cancer elimination in Aotearoa New Zealand by 2040.
We would like to acknowledge and thank Te Aho o Te Kahu Cancer Control Agency for leading the development of the Plan, and Hei Āhuru Mōwai for their contribution throughout the process. We also recognise the many organisations, health professionals, advocates, researchers, community representatives and people with lived experience who generously shared their expertise, insights and feedback to help shape the final Plan.
The Plan sets out targets across HPV vaccination, cervical screening, follow-up and treatment, and is informed by evidence and modelling that indicates cervical cancer elimination is achievable for all population groups with sustained improvements in programme performance.
A significant announcement accompanying the Plan is the Government's commitment to provide free cervical screening for all eligible women from 1 March 2027. This has the potential to reduce barriers to participation and support more equitable access to screening services.
The published Plan is now available to read and share:
We know there will be questions about how the Plan and its associated actions will be implemented, including the introduction of free cervical screening. We welcome these conversations and look forward to working alongside the sector, communities, providers and partner organisations as planning progresses.
Equity remains at the heart of this work. By continuing to strengthen our partnerships across the health system and with communities, we can build on progress in vaccination, screening, follow-up and treatment pathways, and work together towards the equitable elimination of cervical cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ngā mihi, National Cervical Screening Programme
Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora 133 Molesworth Street, Thorndon ncsp@tewhatuora.govt.nz tewhatuora.govt.nz/ncsp-hpvscreening