WHO: 266,000 women die from cervical cancer annually 1

Head of Molecular Applications lab at the KAVI Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI -ICR) at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Lucy Macharia explaining how a hybrid capture system machine for early detection of cervical cancer is used on March 17, 2015. PHOTO | JENNIFER MUIRURI | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

In Summary

• According to a statement sent to newsrooms by the African Press Organisation (APO), cervical cancer deaths are likely to hit 416,000 by 2035 if no interventions are put in place.
• In 2012, over half a million new cases of the disease were diagnosed worldwide with one in five being in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Mr Jiwa said cervical cancer is preventable with immunisation and screening but treatment remains the best strategy to rapidly reduce the burden of the disease.

By WYCLIFF KIPSANG
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By ARTHUR SITUMA
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An estimated 266,000 women die every year from cervical cancer, a survey by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed.

Of the deaths, more than 85 per cent occur among women in developing countries.

According to a statement sent to newsrooms by the African Press Organisation (APO), cervical cancer deaths are likely to hit 416,000 by 2035 if no interventions are put in place.

“Cervical cancer is the most common of all cancers in Africa and thus continues to be a significant threat that demands urgent attention in the African region,” said the statement sent through Mr Farouk Shamas Jiwa, the director of public policy and corporate responsibility in Africa.

In 2012, over half a million new cases of the disease were diagnosed worldwide with one in five being in sub-Saharan Africa.

According to WHO, the primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent or chronic infection, with one or more types of the high risk human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the most common sexually acquired infection and is most often acquired by adolescents and young adults on sexual debut.

Mr Jiwa said cervical cancer is preventable with immunisation and screening but treatment remains the best strategy to rapidly reduce the burden of the disease.

“For more than 100 years, scientists have been developing vaccines to help prevent certain diseases in children, adolescents and adults. We have an important responsibility to improve access to our life-saving vaccines and quality healthcare worldwide,” he said at the close of the WHO World Immunisation Week, which started last Friday and ended on Thursday.