Dr. Allan Pamba, Executive Vice President, Diagnostics, Africa at Roche, has urged increased investment in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing and screening to tackle the high prevalence of cervical cancer among Nigerian women.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Pamba emphasized that despite being preventable, cervical cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women in Sub-Saharan Africa. He stressed the importance of HPV screening, noting that early detection can ease financial burdens on families and healthcare systems while enabling women to remain productive members of society.
“Governments, policymakers, and healthcare providers must collaborate to prioritize diagnostics and ensure equitable access to HPV testing and treatment,” he stated.
Highlighting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2030 targets, Pamba noted that WHO aims to vaccinate 90% of girls against HPV, screen 70% of women by ages 35 and 45, and ensure 90% of women with cervical disease receive treatment.
“When a primary caregiver falls victim to cervical cancer, the entire family system is affected, creating a ripple effect on local economies,” he warned.
He further stressed that African women, who make up 50% of the agricultural workforce and drive over half of small and medium enterprises, face significant health risks from HPV-related cervical cancer.
Pamba advocated for innovative approaches such as self-sampling, which allows women to collect test samples privately at home. He commended WHO’s 2022 Resolution on Strengthening Diagnostics Capacity as a significant step forward but called for collective action to meet the 90-70-90 targets.
“By harnessing the power of HPV testing, we can empower women, strengthen economies, and create a healthier future for all,” he concluded.
Join Our Telegram Channel For Instant Notification
