Mbabane – Eswatini carries one of the heaviest cervical cancer burdens in the world, with findings by World Population Review placing the country at the top for reported cases.
The publication shows cervical cancer accounts for about 57.8 percent of cancer cases in Eswatini, positioning the Kingdom among the most affected countries globally and within sub Saharan Africa. The figures were released this month as part of an international comparison of cancer prevalence.
National Surveillance Officer at the Ministry of Health Xolisile Dlamini said the ministry recognises the figures, noting that Eswatini remains heavily affected both on the continent and internationally.
“We acknowledge the numbers. We have data and we supplied some of the data that was used in the report, but it is important to note that HPV infection is not recognised as cancer. HPV is a cause of cervical cancer, not cancer itself,” said Dlamini.
She explained that the World Population Review data also factors in Human Papillomavirus infections, which are widespread and strongly linked to cervical cancer but are not classified as cancer cases in the country.
Dlamini said women living with HIV face a much higher risk of developing cervical cancer and are advised to undergo screening at least once a year.
“Cancer starts as pre cancer. If you check early, it can be treated before it develops into cancer,” said Dlamini.
She said government has expanded access to screening by integrating cervical cancer services into existing health programmes. Women can be screened when collecting antiretroviral treatment, at family planning clinics and through mobile clinics operating across all four regions.
Government has also worked with the World Health Organisation to train nurses to manage pre cancer cases at health centres, reducing referrals to major hospitals.
“Our health centres now have equipment to treat pre cancer. This decentralisation is cutting down costs and delays for patients,” she said.
Dlamini said decentralisation of cancer services is continuing, although some specialised procedures still require doctors supervision and are not available at clinic level.
She added that HPV is mainly transmitted through unprotected sexual contact and can stay in the body for long periods without symptoms, making regular screening essential.
“This is why we emphasise testing, because someone may have HPV and not know it,” said Dlamini.
As part of prevention efforts, government has rolled out the HPV vaccination programme nationwide. The vaccine was first introduced in schools and is now also offered at health facilities, with more parents opting to vaccinate their children.
Dlamini said the vaccine targets children and young people aged between nine and 20 years.
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