The recent National Forum for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer held in Kinshasa marked a major milestone in the fight against this terrible disease that affects many women in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This event, organized by the National Council for Universal Health Coverage in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health, brought together renowned experts to establish concrete measures to combat cervical cancer.
During these two days of debates and discussions, participants highlighted the importance of a comprehensive approach to treating this disease. Professor Désiré Mashinda stressed the importance of holistic care, taking into account the therapeutic, spiritual, moral and social aspects of patients. This integrated approach would make it possible to provide more comprehensive support to women suffering from this disease.
For his part, Professor Tshimpi stressed the need to differentiate treatment approaches to better target the specific challenges of the fight against cervical cancer. He stressed that the disease is curable if treatment systems adapted to local realities are put in place by health professionals.
However, a major challenge remains: the lack of laboratories specialized in cancer diagnosis throughout the national territory. This gap, mainly observed outside Kinshasa, penalizes populations in remote areas who have limited access to the medical infrastructure necessary for early detection and effective treatment.
Despite these difficulties, the Forum marked a strategic turning point for the DRC in the fight against cervical cancer. The celebration of a new cooperation strategy between the World Health Organization and the Congolese government paves the way for improved health care for all, as part of the universal health coverage objectives.
In conclusion, this first edition of the National Forum for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in the DRC demonstrates the country’s willingness to face this major public health challenge. By implementing concrete measures and a strategic roadmap, the Congolese authorities are laying the foundations for more equitable and effective care for all women affected by this disease. This crucial meeting paves the way for a more promising future in the fight against cervical cancer in the Democratic Republic of Congo.