Eliminating cervical cancer is ‘a justice issue’ for Africa

‘The reality is heart-breaking: we have the tools to prevent these deaths, but systemic barriers continue to deny women access to them.’

The Jesuit director of the African Health and Economic Transformation Initiative (HETI) demanded action to eliminate cervical cancer in Africa.

Fr Charles B. Chilufya SJ said the fight against cervical cancer is not just about eliminating the disease by 2030, a target set by the World Health Organisation, but also a matter of justice. 

Cervical cancer remains a leading killer of African women. Statistics indicate that of 90,000 the 350,000 women who die every year from the disease are from Africa, but all such deaths are preventable. 

“The disease is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in over 35 African countries,” Fr Chilufya told The Tablet. “Most women are diagnosed at an advanced stage when treatment options are limited or inaccessible.” 

He identified a broad range of factors hindering the fight against the scourge, including limited access to screening, inadequate infrastructure and personnel, poverty and gender inequalities as well as misinformation and mistrust around vaccines. 

“The reality is heart-breaking: we have the tools to prevent these deaths, but systemic barriers continue to deny women access to them,” he said. AHETI responds “with urgency – and with faith”, he said, aiming to bring justice and save lives by making prevention accessible. 

“Our mission aligns with the WHO’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat by 2030. But for Africa, this is not just a health target – it is a justice issue.”

He explained that AHETI has adopted a multi-pronged, community-rooted, and faith-led strategy that works beyond clinics to address social, cultural, and systemic barriers.

“We leverage the influence of trusted faith leaders to overcome misinformation and stigma. We mobilise entire communities, combining healthcare delivery with education and advocacy. We integrate technology, data, and partnerships to reach underserved populations. We recognise that incremental progress is not enough. Bold, transformative action is needed to make elimination possible within our lifetime,” he said.

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