Ministry of Health urges women to prioritize cervical cancer screening ahead of Elimination Day of Action

Lilongwe, November 13, Mana: Director of Health Services in the Ministry of Health, Doreen Namagetsi Ali, has called on women across Malawi to prioritize cervical cancer screening in the lead-up to the Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action on November 17th.

Speaking at a health event held at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe, themed ‘Elevating Frontline Health Workers,’ Ali emphasized the importance of early detection and encouraged the active involvement of men in supporting the health of their families.

“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers,” Ali stated, “yet it continues to claim lives due to limited awareness and insufficient screening. Men should be a part of the change by encouraging their wives and daughters to get tested. We need everyone involved in fighting this disease.”

The event aimed not only to increase awareness about the importance of screening but also to empower frontline health workers who play a crucial role in cancer prevention and treatment. The focus on ‘Elevating Frontline Health Workers’ recognized the dedication of healthcare professionals and sought to provide them with resources to improve service delivery in communities.

Dr. Susan Kambale, an official at the World Health Organization (WHO) Malawi Country Office, echoed the call for increased vigilance.

“Despite being preventable, cervical cancer remains a significant health concern, especially in countries with limited access to healthcare like Malawi.

“Early detection through screening can save lives, but unfortunately, many women do not come forward until it is too late. We must work together to change that,” Kambale noted.

According to WHO, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, but it is highly preventable through regular screening and vaccination. In Malawi, however, cervical cancer has become one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, mainly due to a lack of awareness and accessible healthcare services.

To help combat this issue, the Ministry of Health has launched several initiatives aimed at increasing the availability of screening facilities across the country, including mobile clinics in rural areas. These efforts are part of Malawi’s commitment to the WHO’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer, which aims to reduce cervical cancer deaths worldwide by 2030.

Ali encouraged women to take advantage of the free or low-cost screening services offered at health centres and upcoming mobile clinics. She highlighted that screening is a simple, non-invasive procedure that can detect early signs of cancer, allowing for timely treatment and prevention.

“If detected early, cervical cancer is treatable and preventable. I urge every woman to get screened your health is worth it,” she said.

In addition to screenings, the event highlighted the importance of HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination, which protects against the virus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer. WHO and the Ministry of Health are working to increase vaccination rates among young girls, aiming to make cervical cancer a disease of the past for future generations.

Community leaders, health workers, and volunteers were urged to spread the message in their local communities, encouraging women to participate in screening and men to support these efforts. By raising awareness and making screening services more accessible, the Ministry of Health hopes to significantly reduce cervical cancer rates and empower women to take control of their health.

“Cervical cancer is preventable, treatable, and, with commitment, ultimately eliminable,” said Ali. “Let’s work together to ensure no woman loses her life to a preventable disease.”

The Ministry of Health encourages everyone to join the fight against cervical cancer by participating in the activities leading up to November 17th and supporting their loved ones in getting screened.