SCCPS President Dr. Ida Ismail-Pratt Highlights HPV Self-Sampling as Key to Cervical Cancer Elimination in Asia-Pacific
Published on 11 September 2025
In the Press
Dr. Ida Ismail-Pratt, President of SCCPS, has been featured in a discussion with BioSpectrum Asia, the leading Pan-Asia life sciences B2B magazine, to spotlight the transformative potential of HPV self-sampling in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
A Policy Shift for Greater Equity
This interview follows the landmark inclusion of HPV self-sampling in the SCCPS-endorsed 2025 cervical cancer screening clinical guidelines, officially endorsing it as a critical and valid alternative to traditional screening methods.
Dr. Ismail-Pratt addressed the critical challenge facing the region, which accounts for 58% of global cervical cancer cases. She emphasized that endorsing self-sampling is a strategic move to overcome major barriers, including issues of access and social stigma. The policy shift directly supports the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 90-70-90 targets, particularly the goal of achieving 70% screening coverage.
“Empowering women with a private, convenient screening option is the key to unlocking higher screening uptake,” said Dr. Ismail-Pratt. “By embracing self-sampling, we are actively advancing prevention and equity, ensuring the APAC region moves closer to the elimination of cervical cancer.”
The full article explores how self-sampling empowers women, complements clinician-based care, and is set to revolutionize access to vital preventative health services across the continent.
Read the Full Article
Revolutionizing Cervical Cancer Screening in Asia-Pacific: The Rise of HPV Self-Sampling
