Introduction: A hopeful path for cervical cancer elimination in Africa
Cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge in Africa, even though it is largely preventable. On Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, we spoke with Dr Issimouha Dillé, an adviser on cancer control, to explore why Africa is uniquely positioned to turn the tide and what steps are essential to achieve elimination in the coming years. The conversation highlights practical strategies, regional collaborations, and the political will needed to translate science into lasting health gains for women across the continent.
Understanding the problem: Why cervical cancer persists in Africa
Global data show that cervical cancer rates are higher in Africa than in many other regions, largely due to limited access to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, screening gaps, and delays in diagnosis and treatment. Dr Dillé emphasizes that the disease is almost entirely preventable through vaccination, regular screening, and timely treatment. Yet barriers—financial constraints, weak health infrastructures, and supply chain challenges—continue to impede progress. Recognizing these barriers is the first step toward targeted action that yields real impact for women’s health.
Key strategies for elimination: Vaccination, screening, and treatment
Dr Dillé outlines a three-pronged strategy designed to reduce incidence and mortality from cervical cancer in Africa:
- HPV vaccination: Achieving high coverage, especially among pre-adolescent girls, is the cornerstone of long-term prevention. Community engagement, school-based delivery, and affordable vaccines are essential to close coverage gaps.
- Screening and early detection: Implementing effective screening programs—such as HPV testing and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA)—helps identify precancerous lesions early when they are most curable. Integrating screening with other reproductive health services can boost participation and reduce stigma.
- Access to treatment: For those with cervical cancer, timely access to diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care saves lives. This includes ensuring pathology services, radiotherapy availability, and trained healthcare professionals across the care continuum.
Health systems strengthening: Building resilient platforms for elimination
According to Dr Dillé, elimination requires robust health systems capable of sustaining vaccination, screening, and treatment programs. This includes reliable vaccine supply chains, cold chain infrastructure, data systems for monitoring coverage and outcomes, and trained health workers. Strengthening governance, financing, and accountability mechanisms is also critical to maintain momentum beyond pilot projects or donor funding cycles.
Community engagement and equity: Reaching every woman
Community trust and awareness are central to success. Dr Dillé emphasizes culturally sensitive education, engagement with community leaders, and gender-responsive approaches that address barriers such as transportation, cost, and stigma. Ensuring equity means prioritizing underserved populations—rural communities, marginalized groups, and those with limited access to healthcare—to prevent widening disparities as programs scale up.
Regional collaboration and global support
African countries can accelerate progress through regional collaboration, shared procurement, and joint training initiatives. Global partners provide technical guidance, funding, and platforms for knowledge exchange. Dr Dillé notes that sustained political commitment at the national level, combined with international cooperation, creates a durable path toward elimination that persists beyond electoral cycles or short-term projects.
What success looks like: A future without cervical cancer in Africa
Elimination does not mean eradicating the disease overnight but reducing incidence to a level that is no longer a public health problem. With comprehensive vaccination, regular screening, effective treatment, and resilient health systems, Africa can dramatically lower cervical cancer rates and improve women’s overall health. Dr Dillé remains hopeful that, by coordinating efforts across sectors and borders, the continent can achieve lasting progress and demonstrate that cervical cancer elimination is an attainable goal for Africa.
Takeaway messages from Dr Issimouha Dillé
– Invest in HPV vaccination for girls and boys where appropriate to curb transmission.
– Scale up accessible, affordable screening and ensure pathways to treatment.
– Strengthen health systems to support vaccination, screening, and care.
– Champion equity to ensure no woman is left behind.
Conclusion: A collective venture toward cervical cancer elimination
On Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, Dr Issimouha Dillé’s insights underscore a shared responsibility: governments, communities, health professionals, and international partners must work together to build sustainable programs. The continent has the science, the will, and the people to win this fight. With determined leadership and coordinated action, cervical cancer can become a preventable tragedy of the past rather than the future.
