In commemoration of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the World Health Organization (WHO) urges its member states to actively engage in awareness campaigns, promote screening, and encourage Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among young women. Dr. Matshidiso Moeti,
WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasizes the importance of educating people about minimizing cervical cancer risks and the life-saving significance of regular screenings.
The WHO is supporting countries in the region to move towards HPV screening, and a breakthrough involves self-sampling kits for HPV testing. Moeti highlights the need for countries to actively engage in awareness campaigns and promote vaccination, stating that cervical cancer can be prevented and cured.
The WHO encourages the use of a highly effective single-dose HPV vaccine to increase coverage and reduce dropouts from the vaccine schedule. Cervical cancer disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, leading to 100,000 diagnoses and 70,000 deaths in the region in 2020.
The WHO’s campaign emphasizes being informed, getting screened, and getting vaccinated to combat this burden effectively.
