SPORTS · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
New Zealand to Make Cervical Screening Free for All Eligible Women
WHY IT MATTERS
This move could lead to a significant increase in cervical screening rates, potentially saving hundreds of lives and reducing the number of women diagnosed with late-stage cervical cancer.
What happened
New Zealand's government has announced that cervical screening will be free for all eligible women from March 2027. This move aims to increase screening rates, particularly among younger women who have the lowest screening rates.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and early detection can save up to 91% of women. Currently, around 55% of eligible women have to pay for the appointment, which can be a barrier.
The government is also releasing a plan to eliminate cervical cancer in New Zealand by 2040.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Free cervical screening for all women
New Zealand Government Beehive · beehive.govt.nz · New Zealand Crown copyright; accurate reproduction/translation with attribution; third-party media excluded