By; AMOS TAUNA, Kaduna
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that 700,000 persons have died of the 1.1 million new cancer cases occur each year in Africa.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, made the revelation in a statement marking this year’s World Cancer Day themed, ‘Close the Care Gap: Uniting Our Voices and Taking Action.’
According to her, Africa accounts for nearly 50 per cent of the global childhood cancer burden by 2050 with the current projections.
She explained, “Childhood cancer incidence in sub-Saharan Africa was estimated at 56.3 per million population with significant data challenges.”
According to her, data estimates show a considerable increase in cancer mortality to nearly one million deaths per year by 2030, without urgent and bold interventions.
She said, “We should recall that the most common cancers in adults include breast (16.5%), cervical (13.1%), prostate (9.4%), Colorectal (6%), and liver (4.6%) cancers, contributing to nearly half of the new cancer cases.”
Moeti further explained that in Africa, 12 countries had valid National Cancer Control Plans.
Eleven (11) additional countries, according to her, are being supported by WHO in developing or updating their National Cancer Control Plans aligned to the global cancer initiatives coupled with the presence of governance structures at the government level to implement cancer plans.
She expressed delight that 51 per cent of countries in Africa have steadily increased Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination national introduction.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, noted that stumbling blocks remained on the continent’s path in low availability of population-based cancer registries, limited health promotion, inadequate access to primary prevention and early detection services, scarcity of diagnostic facilities that increase delays in diagnosis and treatment, among others despite the achievements made.
She said there was the need to develop/update national cancer control plans, provide sustainable financing and invest in cancer registration by government.
