In 2020, the WHO set the 90-70-90 targets aiming to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030. By 2030, each country should meet the 90-70-90 targets – to fully vaccinate 90 percent of girls with HPV by age 15 years, screen 70 percent of women with a high-performance test by 35 years of age, and again by 45 years, and provide treatment to 90 percent of women diagnosed with cervical disease.
According to the WHO, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and successfully treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected and diagnosed early and managed effectively.
Yet it is the 4th most common form of cancer among women worldwide, with the disease claiming the lives of almost 350,000 women in 2022. This number is likely to continue to grow, particularly in underprivileged and vulnerable communities. Current data suggests that 90 percent of all cases occur in low- and middle-income countries, due largely to poor access to screening and early detection and treatment of both pre-cancer and cancer. Like many cancers, the earlier cervical cancer is detected, the higher the chances of survival.
Few diseases reflect global inequities as much as cancer of the cervix. Nearly 94 percent of the deaths in 2022 occurred in low- and middle-income countries. This is where the burden of cervical cancer is greatest because access to public health services is limited and screening and treatment for the disease have not been widely implemented. Thus, an ambitious, concerted and inclusive strategy has been developed to guide the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. Accordingly, to eliminate cervical cancer, all countries must reach and maintain an incidence rate of below 4 per 100, 000 women.
Moreover, each country should meet the 90–70–90 targets by 2030 to get on the path to eliminate cervical cancer within the next century.
Experts from the Ministry of Health explain that the case is among the top four priority areas given due attention by the Ministry; and the need to effectively work on early cervical cancer screening through active public mobilization. In doing so, creating more awareness about cervical cancer is the major assignment left ahead.
Last week, the Ministry held a day-long awareness creation workshop for media and communication experts aiming at bringing about a tangible change regarding cervical cancer in the country. Following this, it was underscored the media to fulfill its social responsibility of keeping public health through disseminating timely and succeeding health stories.
Technical Advisor for Prevention and Control of Cancer with the Ministry Kunuz Abdella (MD) said that lack of awareness regarding cervical cancer among the population and healthcare providers remains the major factor impeding the Ministry’s endeavors to curb the impact of cervical cancer on women.
In addition, inadequate resource allocation, lack of quality assurance of cervical cancer screening, lack of functional referral system, and limited diagnostic facilities are also the other reasons for the high incidence of and mortality for cervical cancer in developing countries, he said.
As to him, it is high time to work jointly towards easing the challenges women face in rural Ethiopia through undertaking massive awareness creation to take cervical cancer screening. The early screening of cervical cancer is important to prevent the disease before getting worse.
“The media have greater role in bringing about a tangible behavioral change and improving public awareness about the disease. Everyone should also understand that cancer is a Non-Communicable Disease (NCD). Thus, the media professionals should first understand cervical cancer and promote the society towards periodic cervical cancer screening,” he noted.
Though, the country is registering a remarkable progress regarding countering numerous diseases, yet more assignments are left ahead to effectively mobilize cervical cancer screening in the rural part of the country due to various reasons, he added.
Moreover, the dissemination of fake information on the social media these days is wrongly affecting peoples’ decision-making regarding vaccination and medical treatments even in the urban areas.
Therefore, the Ministry closely follows up and provides timely information through the mainstream and digital media to the public aiming at ensuring a common understanding on different health issues.
Accordingly, cervical cancer has become a significant health issue in Ethiopia, affecting thousands of women each year. However, with proper planning and implementation of effective strategies, there is hope that cervical cancer can be eliminated from Ethiopia by 2030.
In Ethiopia, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, with a high mortality rate due to late diagnosis and lack of access to proper treatment. Many women in rural areas do not have access to regular screenings or Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, which are essential in preventing cervical cancer.
One of the main challenges in eliminating cervical cancer from Ethiopia is the lack of awareness among women about the importance of regular screenings and vaccinations. There is also a shortage of trained healthcare professionals and limited resources for cancer treatment in the country.
Therefore, a multi-faceted approach is needed to achieve the goal of eliminating cervical cancer from Ethiopia by 2030. Achieving this target is possible through increasing awareness, improving access to screening, strengthening treatment facilities, and active collaboration with stakeholders and international organizations, among others.
In terms of developing the capacity of professionals, continuous trainings have been provided by the Ministry of Health and other partners so as to expand quality healthcare access and meet the public need.
On his part, Cervical Cancer Advisor Hizkeal Petros (MD) said that there are various cervical cancer treatment mechanisms in the country.
The treatment options include chemotherapy, surgical resection, radiotherapy, or a combination of these treatments; however, relapse and recurrence may occur, and the outcome may not be favorable, he added.
In sum, eliminating cervical cancer from Ethiopia by 2030 is an ambitious goal, but with the right strategies and commitment, it is achievable. By working together with government agencies, healthcare providers, and international organizations, it is possible to make a significant impact in reducing the burden of the case on Ethiopian women.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2024
