On Monday, 26 May 2025, the 14th Education Day of the National Cervical Cancer Screening Programme ZORA was held at the Brdo Congress Centre near Kranj. The event was organised by the ZORA Programme in collaboration with the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia. More than 400 professionals attended, including experts in gynaecology, cytopathology, public health, prevention, and communication.
The event also welcomed esteemed international guests, among them leading global experts in HPV screening and vaccination:
- Dr Partha Basu, Head of Screening and Early Detection at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO),
- Prof Marc Arbyn (Sciensano, Belgium), and
- Dr Paolo Giorgi Rossi (AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Italy).
Commemorative Opening and Strategic Updates
The day began with a tribute to Dr Maja Primic Žakelj, the first head of the ZORA programme. Opening remarks were delivered by:
- Vesna Marinko, Director General of the Directorate for Public Health, Ministry of Health
- Anka Bolka, Director of Analytics and Development at the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZZZS),
- Zlata Štiblar Kisić, Director of the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, and
- Prof Dr Janja Ocvirk, Medical Director of the Institute.
Associate Prof Dr Urška Ivanuš, head of the ZORA Programme, presented key achievements and strategic directions, including the planned revision of the screening policy and the upgrade of the ZORA information system.
European Perspectives and communication on HPV
The international segment of the programme featured presentations from experts from Sweden (prof. dr. Miriam Elfström, Karolinska Institute and University Hospital), Ireland (prof. dr. Nóirín Russell, CervicalCheck), the Netherlands (dr. Sandra van Dijk, National Institute for Public Health and Environment), Italy (dr. Paolo Giorgi Rossi, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia), and Belgium (prof. dr. Marc Arbyn, Sciensano, Belgium), showcasing current European practices in HPV-based cervical screening and emerging research in risk-based screening strategies.
A special focus was placed on HPV communication in Slovenia, featuring the national PERCH media campaign on HPV, results of surveys conducted among parents, teachers, and students, public lectures on HPV-related cancers (cervical, anal, head and neck, penile), and approaches to motivational interviewing and infection prevention.
Dialogue on the Future of Screening
The afternoon session was dedicated to reflecting on the status of HPV vaccination in Slovenia and exploring opportunities and challenges for a renewed screening policy. A concluding roundtable discussion brought together diverse expert perspectives, emphasising the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for future steps in cervical cancer elimination.
The event was enriched by a musical performance by young violinists from the Tartini Music Atelier, contributing to a festive and inspiring atmosphere.
Workshop at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana
On the following day, Tuesday, 27 May 2025, a professional workshop titled Revision of the Screening and Triage Strategy of the ZORA Programme was held at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, continuing the themes of the Education Day.
The workshop was moderated by Assoc Prof Dr Urška Ivanuš and Dr Matejka Rebolj from Queen Mary University of London (UK), with participation from Prof Dr Marc Arbyn, Dr Paolo Giorgi Rossi, and Dr Partha Basu. The discussions centred around:
- Comparative analysis of European screening and triage strategies,
- Preliminary risk-based modelling for Slovenia, and
- Critical issues such as the age of screening initiation, screening intervals, test types, and triage methods.
We extend our sincere thanks to all speakers, contributors, and participants for their outstanding engagement. We look forward to continuing our joint efforts in eliminating cervical cancer and improving women's health in Slovenia.
