The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged Africa to take urgent measures against the increasing rate of cancer mortality in the region.
WHO has projected cancer mortality to reach one million deaths annually by year 2030
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, issued the alert in a message to mark World Cancer Day 2024 which has the theme, “Together, We Challenge Those in Power”.
Moeti described the rate of cancer prevalence in Africa as lamentable.
She, therefore, called for concerted efforts against the disease through awareness campaigns on fundamental cancer issues
“Between 2022 and 2024, the focus of World Cancer Day is to help ‘Close the cancer gap’.
“This year marks the third and final year of the campaign.
“This theme encompasses the global demand for leaders to prioritise and invest in cancer prevention and care and to do more to achieve a just and cancer-free world,” she said
The director called on the African governments, communities, partners, and civil society to unite and foster universal access to cancer prevention and care.
Moeti acknowledged the progress that has been made in cancer prevention and care, with 17 countries introducing high-performance-based screening tests and 28 member states of WHO implementing nationwide HPV vaccination
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