NORTHWEST PS CALLS FOR IMPROVED SENSITISATION ON CERVICAL CANCER

NORTH western Province Permanent Secretary, Grandson Katambi (RtD), has called for enhanced community sensitisation activities on cervical cancer.

Col.Katambi says the disease has been a major public health calamity in the country adding that it is a leading cause of deaths among women in Zambia and yet a highly preventable disease.

He said this during the commemoration of this year’s World Cancer Day held in Solwezi today under the theme "United To Close The Cancer Care Gap".

"An estimated 3,000 cases of cervical cancer are reported each year with half of those dying due to the disease. The statistics highlight the urgent need for effective upstream or preventable measures, early detection and treatment strategies," he said. Col.Katambia bemoaned that the province has remained one of the regions which has not done well in terms of cervical cancer screening and treatment, saying less than 10,000 women were screened in 2022 due to lack of awareness among the general population, inadequate outreach programmes, reduced screening points and defective screening tools.

"This is according to the data reported during the provincial quarter four 2022 data review, which indicated that 6,560 women were screened for cervical cancer," he said.

Col. Katambi said the statistics serve as a sober reminder of the critical need to address the challenges surrounding cancer diagnosis, treatment and care.

"It is critical that efforts are made to increase the number of screening centres and ensure they are accessible to all regardless of their geographical location," Col.Katambi said. Col.Katambi said the government , working closely with implementing partners, has ensured that cervical cancer screening is established and conducted in all districts across the country and more convenient screening options such as self sampling for HPV testing to increase the coverage of women screened.

He has since encouraged women across the province to access the services that are being provided in health facilities.

Earlier, Provincial Public Health Specialist, Kizito Sampa, said the Ministry of Health will heighten community sensitisation programmes, having recognised the information gap on cancer awareness.w

Dr Sampa said a group of specialised officers have been formed to be holding community meetings in order to help them understand the disease and how best they can contribute to reducing the number of cases.