The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) has announced an AU$25.9 million ($16.1 million) gift from the United Kingdom-based Swire Group in support of efforts to eliminate cervical cancer in the Pacific.

The largest single philanthropic donation to the university will enable the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney to support cervical screening and treatment services for more than 130,000 women in Fiji, Kiribati, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu. According to the World Health Organization, rates of cervical cancer in the Pacific are among the highest in the world; to address the issue, early detection through screening is crucial, as most women with HPV infection or early cervical disease do not experience symptoms.

“We are delighted to support the Kirby Institute, which has an excellent reputation in the region for highly impactful research conducted in partnership with local leaders, communities, and organizations,” said Swire Group executive director Sam Swire. “Through Swire Shipping we have been serving the Pacific Island nations for over 70 years. Tragically, in the Pacific, women are dying from a disease that is preventable, and this program targets its elimination.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Phynart)