Cervical cancer, one of the preventable and curable cancers, continues to claim more than 350,000 lives globally every year. In Thailand, it remains the second most common cancer among women, despite significant progress in prevention. While the incidence of the cancer has dropped from 18.1 per 100,000 women (2001–2003) to 10.3 per 100,000 women (2019–2021), the mortality rate has risen—from 5.9 to 6.8 deaths per 100,000 women between 2012 and 2021, accounting for approximately 3,326 deaths.
In 2020, the World Health Assembly adopted the Global Strategy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer, aiming to reduce incidence to fewer than 4 cases per 100,000 women. The strategy includes three key targets—known as 90-70-90 goals to be achieved by 2030:
- Primary prevention: 90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15
- Secondary prevention: 70% of women screened using a high-performance test by ages 35 and 45
- Tertiary prevention: 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease receive appropriate treatment
Thailand is aligning itself with these ambitious targets. Acknowledging the importance of cervical cancer prevention, screening, and treatment, the Ministry of Public Health—together with its partners from both public and private sectors—has been actively working toward achieving these goals, with the shared vision of a future where Thai women are free from cervical cancer. While the country’s statistics have not yet reached the elimination target, it has made steady progress toward achieving the 90-70-90 targets as shown below:
/countries/thailand/news/data-on-the-treatment-of-invasive-cervical-cancer-2024.png?sfvrsn=7db2a02d_1 "data on the treatment of invasive cervical cancer 2024")
Note: These data are provided end of 2024. The data on the treatment of invasive cervical cancer remains incomplete, underscoring the need to strengthen reporting and data systems
With Thailand making noteworthy progress in its cervical cancer initiatives, WHO and the Thai Gynecologic Cancer Society (TGCS) jointly embarked on documenting the country’s strategies. The goal of the documentation was not only to highlight Thailand’s achievements, but also to identify the key factors contributing to its success—as well as the remaining challenges and opportunities.
/countries/thailand/news/the-session-launching-of-ecc-thailand-report.jpg?sfvrsn=995c75c2_1 "The session launching of ECC Thailand report")
Photo credit TGCS: The session launching of the report “Eradicating Cervical Cancer in Thailand: A Journey of Hope and Progress” at the TGCS Annual Meeting at Chonburi on 1 August 2025
The report was officially launched on 1 August 2025 during the Annual Meeting of the Thai Gynecologic Cancer Society in Chonburi where more than 500 national and international experts gathered in a shared commitment o continuing professional development in gynecological oncology.
/countries/thailand/news/dr-olivia-nieveras-moderated-the-launcing-session.png?sfvrsn=44166771_3 "Dr Olivia Nieveras moderated the launcing session")
Photo credit TGCS: Dr Olivia Nieveras, Senior Public Health Specialist (Healthier Populations), WHO Thailand, and Prof. Dr Siriwan Tangjitgamol moderated the launching of the report.
The launching session was led by Dr Olivia Nieveras, Senior Public Health Specialist (Healthier Populations), WHO Thailand, and Prof. Dr Siriwan Tangjitgamol, President of TGCS, who emphasized the importance of strong partnerships.
Three leading experts, all contributors to the report, shared key insights during the panel discussion on the background, current situations, progress and challenges.
/countries/thailand/news/tgcs-advisors.png?sfvrsn=abc158af_3 "TGCS advisors")
Photo credit TGCS: Dr. Supakorn Pitakkarnkul, Deputy Director of the National Cancer Institute Associate , Prof. Wichai Termrungruanglert of Chulalongkorn University and TGCS advisor, and Prof. Jatupol Srisomboon from Chiang Mai University and TGCS advisor
Dr. Supakorn Pitakkarnkul, Deputy Director of the National Cancer Institute, highlighted the Ministry of Public Health’s integrated policies from the government perspective as well as plan to enhance the services which aims to bring vaccination, screening and treatment services closer to communities.
Prof. Jatupol Srisomboon from Chiang Mai University and TGCS advisor emphasized TGCS’s vital role in assisting Thailand in producing clinical guidance, developing national treatment protocols, and supporting capacity building among healthcare professionals, and Associate Prof. Wichai Termrungruanglert of Chulalongkorn University and TGCS advisor provided an in-depth analysis of current epidemiological trends and Thailand’s progress in aligning with the global targets.
As Thailand continues its journey toward eliminating cervical cancer, the launch of the report marks a critical milestone in a long-term commitment to safeguarding women’s health. The insights and lessons documented offer a roadmap not only for Thailand, but for other countries in the region and beyond that are striving to meet the 90-70-90 targets to get on the path to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.
Moving forward, sustained political commitment, strengthened health systems, investment in data quality, equitable health care access and community engagement will be essential. Above all, collective efforts across sectors will be the driving force in turning the vision of a cervical cancer-free Thailand into reality.