Leaders from the Organization of African First Ladies for Development, the African Union, and the World Health Organization (WHO) are urging an acceleration of efforts to address women’s cancers in Africa. This call to action coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting a critical health concern as many women on the continent suffer from breast and cervical cancers.
In 2024, an estimated 350,000 women in Africa succumbed to these diseases, often due to late diagnosis and insufficient access to preventive measures and treatment. Each statistic represents an individual, a family, and a community grappling with the impacts of cancer. The leaders emphasized that the responsibility to act on this issue is shared among all stakeholders.
Our message to governments, policymakers, and partners is clear: the time has come to accelerate action on women’s cancers.
The African Union aims to place the health and wellbeing of its citizens at the forefront of developmental agendas, creating a platform for member states to commit to women’s health and noncommunicable diseases. The Organization of African First Ladies is leveraging its influence to raise awareness, challenge stigmas, and ensure that the experiences of women facing cancer are included in national and continental discussions.
WHO is working to support governments through initiatives designed to enhance breast and cervical cancer care, providing essential evidence and technical assistance to translate political commitments into effective health services.
The challenge is substantial.
The burden of breast and cervical cancers is rising in Africa, with women encountering significant barriers to detection and treatment. Early-stage diagnosis, which is crucial for successful interventions, remains a challenge. The WHO’s latest Global Status Report on Cancer has revealed that survival rates for breast cancer and screening for cervical cancer in Africa lag behind those in other regions.
Despite these challenges, there is optimism. WHO’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative and Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative are helping governments identify effective strategies to improve outcomes. By fostering multi-sectoral partnerships, WHO is working to implement global standards in the prevention and treatment of these cancers.
Current efforts alone are not enough.
To improve cancer care for women, governments must integrate women’s cancers into national health strategies and funding priorities. Development partners are encouraged to invest in coordinated, country-led initiatives rather than fragmented programs. Additionally, legislative support and community involvement are critical for shaping policies that address these health concerns effectively.
Both the African Union and OAFLAD are committed to pooling resources and expertise to turn awareness into actionable policy and to improve access to services. Combined efforts aim to expand HPV vaccination, enhance screening, and streamline the diagnosis and treatment processes.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us that every woman’s journey with cancer is unique, leaders are calling for sustained commitment to equitable and accessible healthcare. The partners involved are planning to create an agenda for women’s cancers that will also contribute to broader health system improvements.
The time for investment and action is regarded as pressing, with the leaders acknowledging that equitable health outcomes for women are essential for Africa’s development and wellbeing.
H.E. Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, H.E. Amb. Amma Twum-Amoa, and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus have jointly voiced this concern, recognizing the urgent need for action on women’s cancers.
