In the lead-up to this month’s International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD+25), TogetHER partnered with FP2020, Jhpiego, PATH, Pathfinder International and Population Services International (PSI) for an exciting convening in Washington, DC on accelerating the integration of cervical cancer prevention and family planning services.

Experts presented their experiences integrating cervical cancer screening and treatment with family planning services, as well as planned efforts to expand the offerings of adolescent health services within HPV vaccination programs. Work by PSI, MSI, and IPPF generated promising evidence that integration can increase the uptake of both cervical cancer prevention services and family planning. Their work in three African countries screened over two million women for cervical cancer, while demonstrating an increase in uptake of long-acting contraceptive methods.

Communications experts also called on the international health community to view women’s health holistically, and to consider how we can best offer health services to women, based on their needs and desires. Offering integrated health programs for the entire woman is empowering to many women, but we also need to focus on how to adapt national policies, guidelines and programs to best meet these needs. Participants at the meeting agreed to work together going forward to advocate for this holistic approach to women’s health, including by integrating HIV, family planning, NCD screening, and cervical cancer screening services.

On November 20, 2019, TogetHER’s final fall webinar series will focus on the topic of cervical cancer and family planning integration, sharing many of the discussions from the convening. We invite you to register now to learn more about the evidence for integration and the way forward in 2020.