The Ministry of Health announced on March 25 that it will conduct a large-scale free cervical cancer screening and prevention campaign in five public locations across Metropolitan Lima on Thursday, March 26. The initiative coincides with World Cervical Cancer Prevention Day.
The campaign aims to address cervical cancer, which is the fourth most common type of cancer among women worldwide. Screenings and health services will be offered through the Integrated Health Network Directorates at key sites including Unicachi market in Villa El Salvador, Conzac in Los Olivos, Unicachi Commercial Complex in Comas, El Bosque in San Juan de Lurigancho, and Ceres market in Ate.
At these locations, with support from local authorities and trade unions, the Ministry will provide tests for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as well as HPV vaccinations for children and adolescents aged nine to eighteen years. Vaccination is considered an important tool for preventing this disease.
According to the Ministry of Health statement, “March 26 represents a key opportunity to highlight the burden of cervical cancer affecting women, promote equitable access to health services and reinforce institutional commitment towards its elimination as a public health problem.”
In 2025 alone, over one million women nationwide underwent screening through cytology tests, molecular detection of HPV or visual inspection with acetic acid. The ministry reports this demonstrates progressive strengthening of preventive interventions and consolidation of molecular HPV detection as a main strategy for early identification.
