Introducing Mary Mungwere, a dedicated Village Health Worker (VHW) based in Ringari Village, Makonde District, and affiliated with Umboe Clinic.
After receiving training in cervical cancer screening using HPV DNA testing in November 2023, Mary immediately began engaging her community through door-to-door interactions. Today, her efforts have led to 75 women in her community alone being screened, contributing to over 30,000 tests conducted in Mashonaland West Province.
“We received training in November, with only two VHWs from this area,” said Anna. “Since then, we have been mobilizing communities, and I now serve beyond five villages, with some individuals coming to my house for screening services.”
One beneficiary, 42-year-old Maroro Nyumbwe, shares her experience.
“I underwent the test, and after two weeks, I was notified to collect my results from the clinic. It turned out positive, prompting further tests to confirm my diagnosis. While it was difficult news, I am grateful for the early detection.”
Umboe Clinic, located in a remote part of Makonde, Mashonaland West Province, is one of 22 primary facilities offering cervical cancer screening services closer to the communities. The clinic was selected for a pilot program in 2023 aimed at enhancing screening services in rural areas.
“Through collaboration with VHWs, we have trained them to collect samples and bring them to the facility using an integrated transport system, decentralizing services to the village level,” said Dr. Celestino Dhege, the Provincial Medical Director for Mashonaland West.
“While the need to strengthen vaccination is crucial, we must also focus on enhancing screening for women who are no longer eligible for HPV vaccination.”
Recently, the clinic hosted a delegation led by Health Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora and a team from the World Health Organization (WHO) Headquarters, including Dr. Bente Mikkelsen, the Director for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Their visit was part of a mission to evaluate Zimbabwe’s progress in eliminating cervical cancer and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Despite progress, cervical cancer remains a significant public health issue in Zimbabwe, ranking fourth globally and regionally with high incidence and mortality rates. Each year, around 3,043 women in Zimbabwe are diagnosed with cervical cancer, resulting in 1,976 fatalities. Access to screening programs remains uneven, with only 20% of the population having access as of 2019.
“While we have made strides in our efforts to eliminate cervical cancer, access to essential services remains unequal across Zimbabwe,” remarked Dr. Mombeshora. “Women in rural and urban areas face challenges in accessing screenings and preventive measures.”
Zimbabwe has made significant progress in responding to cervical cancer, introducing an HPV vaccination program in 2018 with an impressive coverage rate of 89.7% in its first year. The country now has over 200 sites offering Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIAC) and 60 sites conducting HPV tests for early detection. Engaging VHWs in screening processes will further enhance capacity and increase access to services.
Collaboration with international partners and advocating for pledged funds offer opportunities to scale up interventions and expand access to life-saving services. A comprehensive, costed plan will provide a roadmap for targeted interventions, ensuring efficient use of resources in the fight against cervical cancer.
“Eliminating cervical cancer in Zimbabwe requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on scaling up screening, vaccination programs, and public awareness campaigns,” noted Dr. Mikkelsen. “Building a strong case and securing commitment from all stakeholders are crucial for progress.”
In 2018, WHO adopted a global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, aiming to vaccinate 90% of girls by age 15, ensure 70% of women receive high-performance screening tests, and treat 90% of diagnosed cases. WHO is providing technical expertise to assist Zimbabwe in reaching these targets.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO) – Zimbabwe.