Cervical cancer advocates have called for greater investment in initiatives that will ensure every woman’s access to prevention, screening and care.
This call has been made by Women’s Coalition Against Cancer (Wocaca) executive director Maud Mwakasungula in her message marking the commemoration of the 2025 Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action.
Wocaca, in partnership with Tikondane Women’s Support Group- Cancer (TIWOSGC), organised the day’s commemoration at Kantefa Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Katunga in Chikwawa on Thursday.
The world commemorated the first official global day devoted to eliminating cancer, designated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Health Assembly, on November 17 2025.
commemoration on Thursday.I Lucky Mkandawire
Mwakasungula observed that improved collaboration and adequate resource allocation towards elimination of cervical cancer in the country was crucial in saving women’s lives and reducing long-term healthcare costs.
She said: “Such investment also enhances national productivity while, also, strengthening families. So, there is need for strong and sustained national and partner commitment.”
TIWOSGC chairperson Falesi Wajomba urged government and development partners to accelerate initiatives in the fight against cervical cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer in women.
“This is a call to action for stakeholders to strengthen the fight against cervical cancer. The stakeholders need to provide adequate resources, and empower community groups like TIWOSGC because there is so much women need to know,” said Wajomba.
Health rights advocate Maziko Matemba called on government and development partners to treat the issue of investment in eliminating cervical cancer as a matter of urgency.
“The disease greatly affects the health rights of women and young girls that are key in the country’s development agenda,” said Matemba.
This year the day was commemorated under the theme: “Act Now: Eliminate Cervical Cancer.”
During the event, cervical cancer survivors shared personal experiences while stressing the importance of early detection and routine screenings.
According to WHO, the day of action builds on powerful momentum, with countries and partners uniting to launch ambitious vaccination campaigns, expand screening and treatment services.
The Malawi Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy targets to have 90 percent of girls vaccinated by age of 15, 70 percent of women screened with a high-quality test by ages 35 and 45, and also have 90 percent of women with cervical disease receiving treatment by 2030.
