Respond to the Invitation: Protect Yourself from Cervical Cancer through Screening and HPV Vaccination
From 26 to 31 January 2026, the Republic of Moldova marks International Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, organized by the Mother and Child Institute under the auspices of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova. The event is held in partnership with the National Health Insurance Company (CNAM), the National Agency for Public Health (ANSP), the Bureau for Diaspora Relations (BRD), the Electronic Governance Agency (AGE), and development partners.
The initiative aims to inform women and increase their participation in cervical cancer prevention programmes through organized screening, HPV vaccination, and early detection of precancerous lesions.
This year’s campaign is held under the slogan “Respond to the Invitation: Protect Yourself from Cervical Cancer through Screening and HPV Vaccination”, encouraging women to actively engage in prevention programmes and to respond to invitations for screening. To facilitate participation, an electronic notification module is used to invite eligible women. In this context, the Ministry of Health, CNAM, and AGE, with the active involvement of UNFPA Moldova, have developed and implemented a digital cervical screening invitation system, through which notifications are sent by email, regardless of beneficiaries’ location.
The 2026 edition places special focus on women in the diaspora, citizens of the Republic of Moldova who have equal rights to access free cervical screening. Thus, between 26 and 31 January 2026, a nationwide campaign is being carried out to send electronic notifications to eligible women, including those living abroad, for information and appointment scheduling for free cytological screening. Upon returning to the country, they can benefit from free services provided under the National Cervical Screening Programme.
The initiative encourages continued engagement with Moldova’s healthcare system and regular participation in preventive check-ups. The campaign message states:
“Wherever you are, stay connected to the healthcare system of the Republic of Moldova.
Regular screening protects you, and notifications bring you closer.”
In recent years, the achievements of the National Screening Programme in the Republic of Moldova have become increasingly evident. Coverage of cytological screening has grown significantly, from 36% in 2021 to over 62% in 2025. The National Colposcopy Network has made a substantial contribution to early detection and timely treatment of precancerous lesions, achieving a success rate of 91%.
HPV vaccination, provided free of charge to girls and boys aged 9 to 14, represents a key pillar of primary prevention. Nevertheless, cervical cancer remains a major public health concern. In the Republic of Moldova, approximately 300 women are diagnosed each year, although regular screening and HPV vaccination can prevent up to 90% of cases.
Through this initiative, the Ministry of Health reaffirms its commitment to aligning the Republic of Moldova with the Global Strategy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer (90–70–90) and encourages women in the country and in the diaspora to use the invitations received and to schedule appointments for screening and vaccination.
