By Petro Mkandawire

Blantyre, January 20, Mana: The Executive Director for Cancer Survivors Quest (CSQ), Chikhulupiliro Ng'ombe, has urged Malawians to observe Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in an attempt to alleviate the increase in cervical cancer.

January is designated as a cervical cancer awareness month to spread messages about the prevention of cervical cancer and the essentiality of vaccination in women. The 2025 cervical cancer awareness month theme is: 'United by Unique.'

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Sunday, Ng'ombe said cervical cancer Awareness month is important because it promotes early detection, educates the public about cancer risk factors, and supports people living with cancer.

"As an organization we intend to ensure that many women can get the message and eventually get to go for screening. Through this awareness we aim to ensure that women who can prevent cervical cancer should prevent and to give hope to those who may be going through the disease," said Ng'ombe.

According to Ng'ombe, Malawi has high rates of cervical and HIV, whereby cervical cancer is particularly common among women living with HIV as such cancer-related awareness campaigns are needed to remove cancer and prevent further spread.

Malawi Health Equity Network (MEHN) Executive Director, George Jobe concurred with Ng'ombe, noting that Malawians should join hands in supporting the campaign considering that health the sector needs more partners to enhance its efforts in dealing with cancer.

"It is important that everyone from government to the schools, from the hospital to the workplaces and the churches to the community should join hands in fighting against cervical cancer and there is a need to assist as many people as possible all over Malawi," said Jobe.

According to the Institute for Global Health and Infections, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Malawi despite being preventable through early detection and treatment. Malawi's cervical cancer screening programme has faced challenges, however, there are ongoing efforts to improve access to screening and treatment.