Zimbabwe faces challenges in preventing, treating cervical cancer, PlusNews reports

Feb 10 2013

"HIV-positive women are living longer, but are now dying of cervical cancer," and "[i]n Zimbabwe, cervical cancer is now the most common cancer among women, particularly those living with HIV," PlusNews reports. "According to the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry, cervical cancer affects about 30 percent of women in the country," the news service notes, adding the WHO says "[a]bout 1,900 women are diagnosed with the disease every year in Zimbabwe and 1,300 die."

PlusNews details the challenges to fighting cervical cancer in the country, including a lack of monetary resources, non-functioning diagnostic equipment, and a paucity of treatments. "Minister of Health and Child Welfare Henry Madzorera admitted that lack of funds had stymied the roll-out of a cervical cancer vaccine early this year, but said the government would be mobilizing funds from donors to launch the vaccine in 2014," the news service writes, adding, "Meanwhile, he said, the government would focus on other strategies to reduce cervical cancer deaths in the country, such as screening and testing and treatment for those infected" (2/8).