 has called on African governments to accelerate national action toward ending cervical cancer, one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers affecting women across the continent.){kind=link}
As the world marks the 2025 World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called on African governments to accelerate national action toward ending cervical cancer, one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers affecting women across the continent.
In his message, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, celebrated the growing momentum among countries while urging stronger commitment to ensure that no woman dies from a disease that can be prevented, detected early, and treated.
Dr. Janabi noted that cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among African women, despite the availability of effective tools such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, routine screening, and timely treatment.
“Elimination is within reach,” he said, emphasizing that the challenge is ensuring these tools are accessible to every girl and every woman, everywhere.
Across the region, 32 Member States have now introduced HPV vaccination into their national immunisation schedules, covering nearly half of eligible girls. Several more countries rolled out the vaccine in 2025, while at least eight others are preparing to adopt it in 2026.
“Each new rollout represents protection, against both a virus and against loss, suffering and lives cut short too soon,” Dr. Janabi stressed.
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Highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen women’s cancer services, the Regional Director pointed to 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 during the 75th WHO Regional Committee, WICS provides a practical pathway for expanding women-centred, continuous and accessible cancer prevention and care.
He said, progress has been made possible through strong partnerships. “WHO is working closely with UN agencies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency and the International Agency for Research on Cancer to support countries with national cancer control assessments and strategic planning.
“With backing from partners including the Government of Spain, WHO is also supporting training for health workers, updating national cancer control plans and delivering equipment for the treatment of pre-cancerous lesions.”
Despite these gains, Dr. Janabi warned that many health systems are still not equipped to deliver the level of care required.
“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.
“Together, we can make elimination a reality,” Dr. Janabi affirmed, expressing hope for an Africa where every woman, regardless of where she lives has access to protection, care and dignity.