Cervical cancer, largely preventable, is one of the main causes of cancer death in women. In 2012, 528,000 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed and 266,000 women died of the disease, nearly 90 per cent of them in low to middle income countries. Deaths due to cervical cancer are projected to rise by almost 25 per cent over the next 10 years.1 Most women die of the disease when they are still in the workplace and caring for their families, at a high cost to society and to the economy. Cervical cancer prevention encompasses a wide range of interventions, which provide IPPF Member Associations with multiple opportunities within the continuum of care to decrease mortality and morbidity from the disease.

Research involving human subjects – including the study of human reproductive tissues, cells and fluids – has been and will continue to be essential for scientific advancement. For example, organ biopsies (such as cervix, ovary, uterus, testes, prostate, placenta and so on), cell lines developed and maintained in laboratories derived from both normal and abnormal reproductive tissues, and sampling of reproductive fluids (such as semen, cervical mucus, uterine and amniotic fluid) have contributed to both the understanding of normal reproductive physiology and pregnancy as well as the pathogenesis of disease. Modern contraceptive methods, the human papillomavirus vaccine, the Papanicolaou test, amniocentesis, regimens for the treatment of reproductive cancers and advanced reproductive technologies for infertility are examples of the diverse preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic innovations resulting from studies of human reproductive tissues.

We still are in Aleppo. The situation is difficult. We are struggling to survive. People are coming here because they are not safe. Thousands have left East Aleppo in fear. It is cold. People walk long distances. There is so much crowding and for my staff the hours are very long. Read the full report from Dr Lama Mouakea, Syrian Family Planning Association   Please donate to support women and girls in Aleppo   Photo credits go to the Syrian Family Planning Association.

Activists around the world took the social media to say, in several languages: "Stop Violence against women and girls!" The IPPF #StopViolence campaign, to mark the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, was launched by IPPF Champion Jessica Pratt and Yvonne Chaka Chaka. For 16 days, women and men shared the aspect of violence against women that affects or hurts them the most, always with a clear message: we're sick of it.   

IPPF join forces with Durex on December 1st to raise awareness of the risks of unprotected sex as more than 75% of 16-35 year olds surveyed* use emojis to discuss sex, with 9 out of 10 claiming that a safe sex emoji would help them to talk more openly about safe sex.   * 3GEM research questioning 3500 people from UK, USA, Brazil, China, India and South Africa commissioned by Durex – UK, October 2016

Jessica Pratt is a successful Opera Singer. Despite her busy rehearsal schedule, she took the time to say the world "I'm sick of violence against women and want it to stop".  Join her: take a photo or a video holding a sign, tell us why you're sick of violence against women! #StopViolence Facebook filter: https://www.isupportcause.com/campaign/im-sick-of-violence-against-women