Cervical cancer elimination Africa urged by WHO as countries accelerate HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment to protect women’s lives

Cervical cancer elimination Africa has taken centre stage as the world observes the 2025 World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, with the WHO urging urgent national action.

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The call emphasises accelerating prevention, early detection, and treatment for one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers affecting African women.

In his message, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, commended countries for growing momentum but stressed that stronger commitment is essential to ensure no woman dies from a disease that is largely preventable.

He noted that cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths despite the availability of effective tools, including the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, routine screening, and timely treatment.

“Elimination is within reach,” Dr. Janabi said, underscoring that access to these tools must be universal. Across Africa, 32 Member States have incorporated HPV vaccination into national immunisation schedules, covering nearly half of eligible girls, while more countries rolled out the vaccine in 2025 and at least eight others are preparing for adoption in 2026.

“Each new rollout represents protection, against both a virus and against loss, suffering and lives cut short too soon,” he added.

Dr. Janabi highlighted the Women’s Integrated Cancer Services (WICS) initiative, which embeds cervical and breast cancer screening into primary health care.

Presented earlier this year to African Health Ministers, WICS provides a practical pathway for expanding accessible, continuous, and women-centred cancer prevention and care.

Strong partnerships have enabled progress, he noted, including collaboration with UN agencies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Support from partners like the Government of Spain has facilitated health worker training, updates to national cancer control plans, and provision of equipment for treating pre-cancerous lesions.

Despite these gains, Dr. Janabi warned that many health systems remain ill-equipped. “Too many women still lack access to screening, diagnosis and treatment. Progress is not yet victory,” he said.

He called for renewed investment, stronger coordination, and unwavering commitment from governments, partners, communities, and individuals to deliver on the three pillars of the Global Strategy for Cervical Cancer Elimination: vaccination, screening, and treatment.

He urged Member States to place women’s health and rights at the heart of universal health coverage.

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“Together, we can make elimination a reality,” Dr. Janabi affirmed, envisioning an Africa where every woman, regardless of location, has access to protection, care, and dignity.