The European Cervical Cancer Association brought together policymakers and medical experts from as far away as Georgia and the United States to proclaim that cervical cancer can be prevented and eliminated. The disease, which claims 30,000 lives a year in Europe alone, can be prevented with the HPV vaccine in 95% of cases. European Cervical Cancer Association Director General, Dr. Phillip Davies, explained that "No other human disease was so preventable and governments worldwide had a moral duty to do all they could to combat cervical cancer. The government’s decision to go ahead with a comprehensive vaccination program for teenage girls would put Ireland right up at the top of countries who are working and succeeding in cancer prevention”.
The conference is a chance for those on the front line to exchange information and experiences with policymakers and government representatives and hand out their annual awards, the Pearl of Wisdom, to those who have done outstanding work in, in hospitals, schools or in moving the issue onto government agendas. A keynote speech was given by Illinois State Representative, Patricia R. Bellock, who also represented the Women in Government organisation.
Speaking to New Europe, Representative Bellock said "I feel very strongly that we can eliminate cervical cancer in our lifetime. We talk and talk about cancer, but this is one cancer where we can mobilize people throughout the world, to inspire women to get the vaccinations, to get the screenings and to eliminate this cancer." She drew attention to the effectiveness of the vaccine, saying that if young women had it before they became sexually active, it was virtually 100% effective. She highlighted the problems stopping this proven treatment from being as widely implemented as it should be, "The number one problem is funding and the need for more education, these are the key issues and they should be a top priority".  She said it was vital that any such programes to prevent cervical cancer, and other issues, would reach all levels of society, "In our programes, many are targeted at those in lower income brackets so that any solution doesn't discriminate on age, race and all women should have access to vaccination and screenings." Bellock is also involved in Women in Government, 1,700 female legislators who have taken up the cause and reach out to women at local level and count amongst their achievements, the passing of 127 pieces of legislation, throughout the US.
There were many representatives from Eastern Europe, including Georgia, whose First Lady, Sandra Saakashvili, who made the closing remarks. She pointed out the importance of the issue and said that Georgia was trying to build a regional association to prevent cervical cancer and other issues affecting health and that they wanted to involve Russia in the group, saying that "We want them to join, it's important to have them included"". Asked if the recent conflict with Russia would be a problem, she said that she hoped not and said that she wanted, "Peace through health!" The efforts of MEP's was also appreciated, and Glenis Willmott was presented with a Pearls of wisdom award for her support in raising awareness of cervical cancer prevention in Europe. She said that "It’s important that we continue to campaign to raise awareness, and to encourage early screening as well as the widest possible application of the newly available vaccine. Far too many women have already died as a result of cervical cancer, yet it is a disease which we now largely have the ability to prevent.”