Source – Roche
On June 13, 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO) prequalified the Cobas Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test for use on the Cobas 6800/8800 Systems, according to a Roche announcement. The prequalification of this essential HPV screening tool by the WHO increases its accessibility in nations that depend on its list when making implementation and purchase choices.
HPV screening can assist in identifying women who are at risk of getting cervical cancer so that the condition can be treated quickly before it has a chance to progress to invasive carcinoma. Women are frequently identified as having cervical cancer in developing nations after it has progressed to a point where there is little chance of recovery.
“The elimination of cervical cancer is within reach. Roche is committed to working with governments, non-profit organizations and funders to help build sustainable cervical cancer elimination programs so that women, no matter where in the world they live, no longer die from this preventable disease,” said Matt Sause, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. “Today’s action, combined with our recently-launched HPV-self sampling solution, further expands access to HPV screening in countries with limited healthcare resources.”
The WHO strategy for global elimination of cervical cancer lists the following three target goals to reach by 2030:
- 90% of girls should be fully vaccinated with HPV vaccine by 15 years of age;
- 70% of women should be screened using a high-performance test by age 35, and again by age 45;
- 90% of those identified with cervical disease should receive appropriate treatment.
The Roche Global Access Programme, which seeks to expand programmes, provide access to cost-effective resources, and help eradicate illnesses in areas with the highest need, already includes the Cobas HPV test. WHO prequalification aids in extending such access and gives medical practitioners more assurance that the clinical judgements they make will be supported by precise, trustworthy data.
