Photo: SUPPLIEDMore than $5 million has been granted for a programme to eliminate cervical cancer across the Pacific, with the support of former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern. It said cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease but remains a leading cause of cancer death among Pacific women, prompting the university to support the rollout of safe initiatives across the Pacific. The Matariki Fund has granted $5.1 million for a programme to eliminate cervical cancer in the area. Ardern said Pacific women were disproportionately affected by a disease that could be eliminated. Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga said cervical cancer was preventable, yet too many Pacific women continued to die from it.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 08, 2026 00:32 UTC