National strategies to address cervical cancer prevention and control should be a part of a comprehensive approach that includes prevention with HPV vaccination for young girls, screening and treatment for women diagnosed with precancerous lesions, and treatment and palliative care for women with invasive cervical cancer. In order to have an impact on cervical cancer mortality these programmes must have universal coverage of the targeted population and financing for long-term sustainability. Programme planning and implementation should specifically consider characteristics of the national health system to avoid duplication of efforts or developing disease-specific, vertical programmes. .
