Cervical cancer is a worrying reality in Africa. Every year, thousands of women are affected by this disease, the consequences of which can be devastating. That’s why, during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, issued a call to action.
Under the theme “Learn. Prevent. Screen”, this month aims to inform populations about ways to reduce the risks of cervical cancer and the crucial importance of regular screenings. In this context, WHO supports countries in the region in their transition towards screening for the presence of human papilloma virus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer.
According to Dr Moeti, 16 countries already use this screening method and a major breakthrough has been made through the use of self-sampling kits to detect the presence of HPV. This approach facilitates access to screening by avoiding women having to go to larger screening centers.
To effectively combat cervical cancer, Dr Moeti encourages all countries in the region to conduct awareness campaigns, promote screening and encourage HPV vaccination among young women. It also underlines the importance of a global approach and collaboration between different actors to accelerate actions for the prevention and treatment of this disease.
Another major advance in the fight against cervical cancer is the introduction of a single-dose HPV vaccine, which has been shown to be highly effective. This approach also reduces the risk of abandonment of the vaccination schedule among young women. Already, four countries in the region have adopted this single-dose vaccine.
In 2020, 100,000 women in the region were diagnosed with cervical cancer, leading to 70,000 deaths, or 21% of global mortality from this disease. This crisis disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, requiring immediate attention.
The urgency of acting on this pressing problem is underlined by Dr Moeti, who emphasizes three key messages of the campaign: be informed, get tested and get vaccinated. She also recalls that young women, in particular, must be aware of the link between cervical cancer and HPV, responsible for 99% of cases transmitted during sexual intercourse.
Despite significant gaps in knowledge and access to screening, the WHO African region is actively fighting this burden. However, more efforts and collaboration are needed to effectively prevent and treat cervical cancer, so that no woman in Africa faces this devastating disease.