Cervical cancer in Zimbabwe: a situation analysis

Oppah Kuguyo,Charles Nhachi,Thulani Magwali,Nomsa Tsikai,Collet Dandara,Muchabayiwa Gidiri,Mugove Madziyire,Alice Matimba

doi:10.11604/pamj.2017.27.215.12994

Oppah Kuguyo, Charles Nhachi + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2017.27.215.12994

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Abstract

IntroductionDespite the wide-spread availability of cervical cancer prevention and screening programs in developed countries, the morbidity and mortality rates of cervical cancer in Zimbabwe are still very high. Limited resources as well as the high HIV prevalence are contributors to the high burden of cervical cancer. This paper aims to analyse the policies, frameworks and current practices in the management of cervical cancer in Zimbabwe.MethodsA review of national documents and published literature on cervical cancer prevention, screening, treatment and knowledge in Zimbabwe was done. Informal interviews were conducted to assess the practices of cervical cancer management.ResultsThrough strategic collaboration, a pilot for the HPV vaccination program is underway. The VIAC national cervical cancer screening program is being adopted into the current healthcare system. With regards to the treatment of precancerous lesions we found that the "see and treat" program has been implemented in colposcopy clinics. In addition, there are two multidisciplinary cancer treatment clinics installed in two central public hospitals. The general knowledge and understanding of cervical cancer is poor in Zimbabwe.ConclusionLimitations in resources, infrastructure, manpower, delays in treatment and patient knowledge play a role in the high morbidity and mortality of cervical cancer in Zimbabwe. The Ministry of Health needs to increase funding to expedite the availability of HPV vaccine and screening programs. Community engagement initiatives to raise awareness on cervical cancer should be established to provide education on how to prevent the development of cervical cancer, as well as promote screening for early detection.

Highlights

Despite the wide-spread availability of cervical cancer prevention and screening programs in developed countries, the morbidity and mortality rates of cervical cancer in Zimbabwe are still very high
There is no national human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme to prevent cervical cancer, there are two pilot programmes being run in three different towns Marondera, Beitbridge and Centenary (Figure 2)
visual inspection tests-acetic acid (VIAC) are available in all public hospitals and some clinics

Summary

Introduction

Despite the wide-spread availability of cervical cancer prevention and screening programs in developed countries, the morbidity and mortality rates of cervical cancer in Zimbabwe are still very high. Conclusion: Limitations in resources, infrastructure, manpower, delays in treatment and patient knowledge play a role in the high morbidity and mortality of cervical cancer in Zimbabwe. The morbidity and mortality of cervical cancer is much lower in developed countries due to availability of efficient and accessible screening programs as well as diagnostic and treatment facilities [5]. Administering broad-spectrum HPV vaccines to adolescents in developed countries such as France, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, UK and USA has decreased the prevalence of cervical cancer, proving successful as a preventive measure [10]

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