Zambia is tackling the burden of cervical cancer with a high incidence rate and a significant mortality rate. The country has the third highest burden of cervical cancer in the world, with an incidence rate of 65.5 per 100 000 women and a mortality rate of 43.4 per 100 000 women as of 2020.
Cervical cancer, which is preventable and treatable, accounts for about 23% of all new cancer cases in Zambia, with the peak age at diagnosis being between 40-49 years. In order to address this challenge, the country has been implementing a robust screening program since 2006, primarily using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA).
However, despite the efforts, the overall coverage of cervical cancer screening at the population level is still low, at about 26%. To improve this, Zambia launched a pilot project in 2019 to introduce human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, a more accurate and sensitive screening method. HPV testing is crucial for the early detection of the disease, as repeated infection with certain strains of HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer.
Since the introduction of HPV testing, over 110,000 tests have been performed, and in 2023, more than 40,000 women were screened using this method. The government has also introduced the option of self-sampling testing to increase access and convenience for women.
Although the transition to HPV testing has faced challenges, the Zambian government, along with support from cooperating partners, is making efforts to overcome these barriers. This includes developing HPV testing guidelines, improving data management systems, and reducing turnaround time for results.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has supported Zambia with technical assistance and financing for the development of HPV testing guidelines and national cervical cancer screening guidelines. WHO is also supporting the procurement of HPV tests and consumables for underserved areas.
With the goal of achieving 90% HPV vaccination coverage, 70% screening coverage, and 90% treatment and care coverage by 2030, the Zambian government continues to show commitment towards accelerating progress. Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, of the Permanent Secretary, Technical Services Department, stated, “By harnessing the HPV testing intervention, Zambia hopes to reduce the burden of cervical cancer and save the lives of many women.”
As efforts continue to scale up the fight against cervical cancer, Zambia is determined to achieve the WHO targets and reduce the burden of the disease for women across the country.
