Zambia’s Silent Crisis: Cervical Cancer Is Killing Our Women—AHETI Demands Urgent Action

By Jessie C. Bwalya TipsNews Zambia

Zambia holds the unfortunate distinction of having the second-highest rate of cervical cancer in the world, according to the Global Cancer Observatory and the Africa Health and Economic Transformation Initiative (AHETI). In light of this alarming reality, AHETI and leading health advocates are calling for urgent action to expand screening, promote HPV vaccination, and increase public awareness to stem the rising tide of preventable cancer deaths among Zambian women.

“Early Detection Saved My Life” – Felicity Mwila’s Story

During a recent cancer awareness workshop held in Lusaka, AHETI Programme Manager and breast cancer survivor Felicity Mwila shared her compelling testimony. She underscored the life-saving power of early detection, and reaffirmed AHETI’s commitment to women’s health, particularly in underserved communities.

“Zambia ranks number two globally in cervical cancer prevalence, but this disease is preventable and treatable,” Mwila said. “This year’s International Women’s Day theme emphasized accelerating progress, and that includes vaccinating girls against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and encouraging regular screenings for women.”

Mwila expressed hope that cervical cancer could be eliminated by 2090 if at least 70% of eligible women receive regular screening and timely treatment, aligning with the World Health Organization’s global elimination strategy.

HPV: The Silent Threat

The HPV virus, a sexually transmitted infection, is responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancer cases. Yet many Zambians remain unaware of the virus’s impact, or mistakenly believe that only men are carriers.

Health professionals warn that both men and women can carry and transmit HPV. Most infections are asymptomatic and resolve on their own, but persistent infections with high-risk HPV strains can lead to cancer if left untreated.

Expert Advice: Screen Early, Treat Early

Dr. Daniel Munyumba, a respected oncologist who also spoke at the event, cautioned against self-medication and encouraged women to seek professional medical care.

“Age is a contributing factor to cervical cancer, and regular screening is essential for early detection. We have the tools at our disposal—what we need is education, access, and community engagement,” Dr. Munyumba stated.

He also highlighted lifestyle-related risk factors such as early childbearing, multiple sexual partners, and poor access to reproductive health education, calling on national stakeholders to integrate cancer education into school curricula and community health campaigns.

A Spiritual Call to Action

Bringing a faith-based perspective to the conversation, Father Chungu of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Chainda urged women to see health as a sacred duty.

“Knowing your health status is an act of courage. It is better to seek help early than to wait. I commend every woman who stepped forward today to be screened,” Father Chungu said.

The Numbers Tell a Grim Story

According to Globocan 2012 data, Zambia had an age-standardised cancer incidence rate of 136.2 per 100,000 people, resulting in 10,593 new cases and 7,521 deaths that year alone. Cervical cancer accounted for approximately 40% of all female cancer cases, with breast cancer following closely behind.

Despite efforts to expand services through institutions like the Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH) in Lusaka, rural-urban disparities persist. Many women in remote areas have limited access to screening centers, treatment facilities, or reliable health information.

AHETI’s Vision and the Way Forward

AHETI, a Pan-African initiative inspired by Jesuit values and social transformation, is working with health ministries, schools, and faith-based organizations to reach women at risk. Their mission includes:

• Expanding HPV vaccination to girls aged 9–14, in line with WHO recommendations.
• Organizing mobile screening clinics in remote communities.
• Training healthcare workers in early diagnosis and patient referral systems.
• Partnering with policymakers to increase national funding for women’s health.

For more information on cervical cancer prevention and screening services in Zambia, individuals are encouraged to visit Zambia National Cancer Registry or the World Health Organization’s cervical cancer page.

Final Words

Zambia’s cervical cancer crisis is not insurmountable. It requires collective action, sustained education, and access to preventive healthcare. As survivors, doctors, and faith leaders unite behind the cause, the path to a cancer-free future is within reach—one screening, one vaccine, and one life at a time.