Ethiopia has undertaken significant efforts to combat cervical cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), according to the Ministry of Health.
Dr. Selamawit Ayele, Head of the Ministry's Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Prevention and Control Desk, stated that the country is achieving substantial progress in areas such as training healthcare professionals, ensuring drug supply, and implementing multi-faceted response strategies.
The ministry highlighted that it has enabled over 14 million girls to receive the cervical cancer prevention vaccine.
Dr. Selamawit stressed that her institution is implementing a comprehensive cervical cancer control strategy, which includes pre-cancer screening/diagnosis and treatment. She noted that cervical cancer screening and treatment services are now being provided at over 1,500 health institutions using various methods for early detection and treatment, such as visual inspection with acetic acid, HPV testing, cryotherapy, and thermal ablation.
She emphasized that early detection of breast cancer not only improves treatment outcomes but also significantly increases survival rates. In line with this, a breast cancer guideline and training manual have been developed and put into practice. The ministry has launched breast cancer early detection screening in 226 primary healthcare facilities, strengthening referral linkages, diagnosis, and treatment to improve breast cancer outcomes.
Furthermore, Dr. Selamawit mentioned that alongside efforts to prevent and control non-communicable diseases, significant work is underway to raise public awareness on the issue and promote regular physical activity.