HELA100: The Henrietta Lacks Initiative

As a proud father of a teenage daughter, Blen, I’m deeply grateful for the strides science has made to protect her and millions of other girls from a really deadly disease — #CervicalCancer. Thanks to safe and effective #HPV vaccines, this is a worry that can be eliminated from parents' minds. However, not every girl is as fortunate. Despite the various safe vaccine options, many still don’t have access due to affordability and availability issues. HPV vaccine rollouts have faced setbacks, from global supply shortages since 2018 to production challenges earlier this year, leaving millions of girls — especially in Africa and Asia — without this critical protection. At the World Health Organization, we are working day and night with partners to change this. Recently, WHO approved the use of a fourth HPV vaccine for use with a single dose, bringing us one step closer to eliminating cervical cancer and bridging the gap in vaccine access. On this #DayOfTheGirl, I urge all governments to invest in making HPV vaccines accessible and affordable. Vaccinating at least 90% of girls in your country can eliminate cervical cancer from our children’s futures. To vaccine manufacturers, I call on you to prioritise people over profits. Let’s ensure every girl, everywhere, has the chance to receive this vital protection. And to fellow parents — HPV vaccines are safe. They are a gift of protection, allowing our daughters to live healthy lives, chase their dreams, and be truly free.

This inspiring conversation commemorating October 4, the 73rd anniversary of Henrietta Lacks' passing and the discovery of her HeLa cells. Watch as we CELLebrate Henrietta Lacks’ legacy by giving her her flowers and talk nurturing our families. We are proud of our collaboration with Fund II Foundation's BMH Equity Project and Charis Chambers, MD #ThePeriodDoctor to CELLebrate #HenreittaLacks in this 2-part series. NurtuHER: Taking Off Our White Coats brings together female physician leaders, clinicians, birthworkers, patients, partners, and policymakers to explore our intersectional identities and nurture a deeper understanding of our connections. This convening amplifies stories and creates digital tools for our community, paving the way for a future where Black maternal health thrives. Together, we can honor the phenomenal Henrietta Lacks, the Mother of Modern Medicine. Remember, we are the authors of our own stories. Say her name, Henrietta Lacks. Learn more about Henrietta Lacks, watch Part 1 here:? Visit: hela100.org ??#NurtuHERSeries?#BMHequity?#BlackMaternalHealth #MaternalHealth?#WomensHealth?#BlackFamilies #HELA100?#HenriettaLacks?#HeLa?#HeLaCells #NurtuHER?#WomenInMedicine?#Intersectionality

Today we wish a Heavenly 89th Birthday to Lawrence Lacks Sr,. Born during #BlackHistoryMonth in 1935, Lawrence, Henrietta Lacks' last living child, an influential advocate, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, partner, and friend was only 16 years old when his mother, Henrietta, suffered a rapid and painful death from metastatic cervical cancer in the "colored ward" of Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1951. Lawrence spent the last sixty-three years of his life fighting endlessly for the rightful recognition, justice, and ownership of his mother’s cell line HeLa cell line, but most importantly, for his family name. We honor Lawrence's dedication as he advanced his family's #HELA100 : The Henrietta Lacks Initiative as an advisor, advocate, speaker, and historian whom traveled the world to share his invaluable insights with global leaders, students, researchers, and community leaders. https://lnkd.in/eZDSaYSr

Did you know that we can eliminate cervical cancer? Up to 93% of cervical cancers are preventable. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, created from Henrietta Lack's HeLa Cells, helps prevent infection with the HPV types that cause most cervical cancers. Join us this World Cancer Day as we CELLebrate #HenriettaLacks, whose remarkable legacy continues to inspire. In this special video, WHO Goodwill Ambassadors for Cervical Cancer Elimination Alfred Lacks Carter Jr., Henrietta Lacks' Grandson and Henrietta's eldest child, Lawrence Lacks Sr., with Lawrence's Grandchildren, Victoria Baptiste and Veronica Robinson, as they share their insights on their family story. ?? ?? Let's unite to raise awareness, celebrate progress, and honor those who've paved the way for a cancer-free future. Together, we can make a difference! ?? Learn more about how The Lacks Family are making a difference at https://lnkd.in/e2t9iWP6 #HELA100 #CELLebrateHeLa #WorldCancerDay #HenriettaLacksLegacy #CervicalCancerElimination #InspirationInAction"