WHO: 76,000 African Women Die from Cervical Cancer Annually

Cervical cancer continues to claim the lives of thousands of African women annually, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that over 76,000 women succumb to this preventable disease every year. Described as an alarming crisis, the burden of cervical cancer on Africa is significant, particularly in low-and middle-income countries where healthcare access remains limited.

This staggering figure was highlighted in a statement issued by Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, and Dr. Daniel Dulitzky, Regional Director for Human Development, Eastern and Southern Africa at the World Bank. The statement, titled “Advancing the Cervical Cancer Elimination Agenda in the African Region,” underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action to combat this deadly disease.

A Growing Crisis

Cervical cancer, predominantly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), affects hundreds of thousands of women globally each year. Africa, however, faces the highest incidence and mortality rates. The WHO estimates that at least 660,000 new cancer cases and 350,000 deaths occur annually in the region, with cervical cancer ranking among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths.

“This is unjust and unacceptable,” said Dr. Moeti. “We have the tools and resources to remedy this situation. Africa cannot afford to lose another generation of women to cervical cancer.”

The Global Elimination Strategy: 90-70-90 Targets

To tackle the growing cervical cancer crisis, the WHO has devised a global strategy centered on three key pillars: vaccination, screening, and treatment. These pillars aim to achieve the 90-70-90 targets by 2030:

1. 90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15.
2. 70% of women screened with a high-performance test by age 35 and again by age 45.
3. 90% of women with precancerous lesions or cervical disease receiving treatment, including palliative care.

Dr. Moeti emphasized that cervical cancer is curable if detected early and treated appropriately, urging governments and stakeholders to intensify efforts toward meeting these targets.

Game-Changing HPV Vaccination Initiatives

One of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer is through HPV vaccination. In November 2023, the WHO’s Africa Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group (RITAG) recommended a single-dose schedule for the HPV vaccine, simplifying vaccination efforts and increasing accessibility.

This recommendation has significant implications for Africa, where access to health services often remains limited. The single-dose schedule aims to reduce logistical barriers and costs, allowing more girls to receive protection against HPV.

As of now, 29 out of 47 African countries have introduced the HPV vaccine into their national immunization programs, and 40% of eligible girls have received at least one dose. However, much more needs to be done to meet the ambitious 90% vaccination target.

Efforts to Scale Up Vaccination Coverage

The World Bank has committed to supporting HPV vaccination efforts in Africa, aiming to immunize 86 million girls in low-and middle-income countries by 2025. This initiative is expected to prevent over 1.4 million cervical cancer-related deaths.

Countries like Ethiopia, Nigeria, Madagascar, Uganda, and Mozambique are already benefiting from World Bank financing for HPV vaccination programs. Yet, gaps in funding, infrastructure, and awareness remain significant obstacles to achieving widespread coverage.

Integrated Approach to Elimination

During a 2023 meeting co-hosted by WHO, the World Bank, and other stakeholders in Gaborone, Botswana, experts called for an integrated approach to cervical cancer elimination. The meeting, themed “Building a Foundation for an Africa Free of Cervical Cancer,” stressed the need for collaboration among governments, donors, and civil society organizations to address gaps in immunization, screening, and treatment.

Dr. Moeti highlighted the importance of increased investment in HPV immunization and healthcare systems to ensure that no woman is left behind in the fight against cervical cancer.

Barriers to Screening and Treatment

While HPV vaccination is a critical preventive measure, early detection through screening and timely treatment is equally vital. Unfortunately, access to these services remains limited in many African countries due to financial constraints, lack of infrastructure, and inadequate healthcare workforce.

The WHO’s updated recommendations on cervical cancer screening and treatment aim to simplify procedures and make services more accessible. These guidelines are particularly important in Africa, where most of the countries with the highest cervical cancer burden are located.

A Call to Action

To eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem in Africa, governments, healthcare organizations, and international partners must work together to achieve the 90-70-90 targets. Dr. Moeti’s message is clear: the tools and resources exist to address this crisis; what is needed now is commitment and action.

“This is a fight we can win,” Dr. Moeti stated. “We owe it to the women of Africa to ensure that cervical cancer no longer takes away their futures.”

What Can Be Done?

• Increase Awareness: Governments and NGOs should invest in public health campaigns to educate communities about HPV, cervical cancer, and the importance of vaccination and screening.
• Strengthen Healthcare Systems: Improved infrastructure, training for healthcare providers, and funding for equipment are essential to expanding access to screening and treatment.
• Enhance Funding and Partnerships: Collaborative efforts between governments, international organizations, and private donors can fill gaps in funding and resources.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer is preventable, treatable, and, most importantly, curable if detected early. The WHO’s ambitious targets for 2030 provide a clear roadmap to eliminating this devastating disease in Africa. With intensified efforts and coordinated actions, the region can protect the lives and futures of millions of women.