The Cabinet Secretary for Health has called for urgent and focused action to address the rising burden of cervical cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in the country. During a cervical cancer awareness media briefing held on January 24th, 2025, the Cabinet Secretary emphasized the need for a shift in the healthcare approach, moving from a predominantly curative model to one that prioritizes prevention. This shift is crucial for supporting the countryβs Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals, which include expanding access to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, routine screenings, and timely treatment.
The government is committed to integrating cervical cancer prevention into primary healthcare services across the nation. The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that the fight against cervical cancer is not just about numbers; it is about saving lives. She underscored the importance of ensuring that every woman and girl has access to preventive services that can protect them from this deadly disease. The governmentβs efforts are aimed at ensuring that women across the country can benefit from preventive measures, which include HPV vaccination and regular screenings.
Recent statistics from GLOBOCAN 2022 highlight the gravity of the situation, revealing that cervical cancer results in 5,845 new cases and 3,591 deaths annually in the country. These figures underscore the urgent need for improved preventive care and better access to healthcare services that can help reduce the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer. The Cabinet Secretary stressed that the country must prioritize prevention to address this public health crisis effectively.
The media has been called upon to play a key role in raising awareness about cervical cancer prevention. The Cabinet Secretary encouraged journalists to use their platforms to educate the public on the benefits of HPV vaccination and the importance of regular cervical cancer screenings. She also urged the media to dispel myths surrounding the HPV vaccine, which have contributed to hesitancy among some women and girls. It is vital to promote accurate information about the vaccineβs safety and effectiveness, as well as the importance of early detection and treatment in saving lives.
HPV vaccination is a proven strategy to reduce the future burden of cervical cancer, particularly for girls aged 10 to 14. The Cabinet Secretary highlighted that vaccination at an early age offers significant protection against the types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer. This strategy is essential for reducing the number of new cases in the coming years, contributing to the long-term goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat.
In addition to vaccination, regular screenings are crucial for detecting cervical cancer in its early stages, when treatment is most effective. Routine screening can help identify precancerous changes in the cervix, allowing for timely intervention before cancer develops. The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that the integration of cervical cancer prevention into primary healthcare services will help ensure that these services are accessible to all women, particularly those in rural and underserved areas.
The government has also acknowledged the contributions of the STOP Cervical Cancer coalition, which has been actively involved in raising awareness and advocating for early screening and treatment. Cancer survivors have also played a vital role in advocating for better prevention and care, sharing their personal stories to inspire others to seek early detection and treatment. Their efforts have been instrumental in highlighting the importance of timely interventions in the fight against cervical cancer.
The Cabinet Secretary reiterated that the elimination of cervical cancer is an achievable goal. However, this requires a united effort from the government, healthcare providers, media, and the public. Turning awareness into tangible actions is crucial to reducing the impact of cervical cancer and saving lives. The call to action emphasizes the importance of continued collaboration and commitment to prevention, early detection, and treatment in order to combat this deadly disease effectively.
