Cervical cancer awareness: A call to action for Women's Month

As South Africa observes Women’s Month, health advocates are intensifying calls for urgent action to combat cervical cancer, a preventable yet deadly disease that disproportionately affects women in the country. The campaign comes amid growing concerns over the persistent gap between national commitments and on-the-ground implementation, despite the availability of effective prevention and treatment measures. According to recent data, cervical cancer remains the second most prevalent form of cancer among South African women aged 15 to 44 and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths within this demographic. Nearly 6,000 women die from the disease annually, even though more than 95% of cases are linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be effectively prevented through vaccination and detected early via regular screenings. Salomé Meyer, director of the Cancer Alliance of South Africa, emphasized that Women’s Month offers a unique opportunity to align celebrations with tangible steps toward safeguarding women’s health. “This month is not merely a time to honor women, it is a moment to ensure their health and future are protected,” she stated. Meyer highlighted that cervical cancer is both preventable and treatable, making the current mortality rate unacceptable. She pointed out that one woman loses her life to cervical cancer every 67 minutes in South Africa, underscoring the urgency of addressing the issue. South Africa has pledged to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 90-70-90 targets, which aim to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat. This involves vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV by age 15, screening 70% of women at least twice in their lifetime, and treating 90% of those diagnosed with pre-cancerous conditions or cervical cancer. Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi has previously framed the effort as a matter of social justice and gender equality, reinforcing the government’s dedication to improving women’s health outcomes. In recent years, the Department of Health has taken steps to enhance access to HPV vaccinations by expanding the school-based program to include independent and private institutions. Additionally, the adoption of single-dose vaccination guidelines aims to streamline the process and increase coverage. Despite these advancements, public health advocates argue that policy changes alone are insufficient to address the complex challenges surrounding cervical cancer prevention and treatment. The impact of cervical cancer is especially pronounced among women living with HIV, who are six times more likely to develop the disease compared to those without HIV. Given that sub-Saharan Africa bears the brunt of co-infections involving both HIV and cervical cancer, experts stress the need to integrate prevention efforts into existing HIV care frameworks. Countries like Botswana and Eswatini have demonstrated success by incorporating higher-valency HPV vaccines and specialized prevention protocols into their healthcare systems, offering models for improved outcomes. While vaccination and screening programs remain central to prevention, advocates highlight ongoing obstacles such as misinformation, stigma, and disparities in healthcare access. These factors hinder many women from receiving critical services. Meyer noted that civil society organizations play a vital role in bridging the gap between policy and practice, particularly in reaching communities that traditional healthcare systems often overlook. “We are not just supporters in this fight, we are essential partners,” she said. Advocates are pushing for increased investment in HPV DNA testing, self-sampling initiatives that enhance accessibility, stronger collaborations with the private sector, and community-driven campaigns targeting vaccine hesitancy. They emphasize that socioeconomic status, geographic location, and systemic barriers continue to leave many women vulnerable. As the nation reflects on Women’s Month, the focus remains on translating promises into action, ensuring that all women have equitable access to life-saving interventions.