Health officials say cervical cancer can be eliminated by 2040

Vicky Phelan successfully campaigned to ensure that more girls and boys could have access to the HPV vaccine. Picture: Naomi Gaffey

Babies born today will not have to worry about contracting cervical cancer, according to health officials who are aiming to eliminate it as a public health risk by 2040. 

Cervical cancer kills 90 women a year in Ireland but health figures say it can be eliminated within two decades through a series of targeted policies.