Ethiopia has launched a month-long national campaign to screen and treat cervical cancer across six regions — Addis Ababa, Amhara, Central Ethiopia, Oromia, Sidama, and South Ethiopia. Led by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and supported by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), the campaign represents a major milestone in Ethiopia’s commitment to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat. The initiative is aligned with the WHO Global Strategy’s 90-70-90 targets, which aim to accelerate prevention, screening, and treatment efforts by 2030.
The official launch took place at the Nifas Silk Lafto Sub-City Woreda 1 Health Center in Addis Ababa and was attended by key government officials, WHO representatives, and partner organizations. The event featured facility tours, survivor testimonies, and community awareness activities, highlighting the importance of early detection and accessible treatment.
Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Ethiopian women, with more than 7,000 new cases and over 5,000 deaths reported annually, according to GLOBOCAN 2020. The majority of these cases are diagnosed at advanced stages due to limited access to screening and low awareness. Women living with HIV are particularly at risk, being six times more likely to develop cervical cancer, which underscores the need for integrated care and prevention strategies.
The campaign aims to screen over 267,000 women aged 30–49, including women living with HIV aged 15–49. Screening will be conducted using Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) and HPV testing, where available. Women who test positive will receive treatment through cryotherapy, thermal ablation, or LEEP procedures, ensuring comprehensive care at the primary health care level.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Sarai Malumo of WHO emphasized that cervical cancer is both preventable and curable when detected early. She reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to support Ethiopia in expanding HPV vaccination, improving access to screening and treatment, and integrating services into the broader noncommunicable disease (NCD) program.
The AECID-funded initiative builds on previous planning efforts, including a July 2025 microplanning workshop that developed region-specific strategies. WHO has provided nearly USD 47,826 for operational support and is procuring 30 additional thermal ablation machines to expand capacity, complementing prior efforts that equipped 87 health facilities with Norad funding.
The campaign combines both facility-based and outreach services to reach remote communities, engaging Health Extension Workers, women’s groups, and religious leaders to boost participation. Progress will be monitored through standardized registers and digital reporting systems.
Expected outcomes include screening over 16,500 women in Addis Ababa, achieving 90% treatment coverage for positive cases, raising national awareness, and strengthening local partnerships for sustainability. The campaign also coincides with Ethiopia’s recognition as a 2024 UN Interagency Task Force Award winner for leadership in cervical cancer elimination and NCD integration.
The Ministry of Health has called on all women aged 30–49, particularly those living with HIV, to participate in the screening program. Communities, leaders, and media are encouraged to support the campaign as Ethiopia advances toward a future free from cervical cancer.
