According to the World Health Organization (WHO), out of the 1.1 million new cancer cases that are diagnosed in Africa each year, 700,000 people pass away.Information Guide Nigeria
In a statement commemorating this year’s World Cancer Day with the theme “Close the Care Gap: Uniting Our Voices and Taking Action,” Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, revealed the information.
According to current forecasts, Africa will account for approximately 50% of the world’s burden of pediatric cancer by 2050, she said, adding that “Childhood cancer incidences in sub-Saharan Africa were anticipated to be 56.3 per million population with major data issues.“NYSC portal
Without immediate and audacious initiatives, Moeti argued, data estimates suggest a significant rise in cancer mortality to about one million deaths annually by 2030.
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In her words, “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 noted that 12 countries in Africa had valid National Cancer Control Plans but that 11 additional countries were being supported by WHO in developing or updating their National Cancer Control Plans.JAMB portal
She explained that the support is aimed at aligning the plans 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% of countries in Africa have steadily increased Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination national introduction.
WHO Regional Director for Africa noted that stumbling blocks remained the continent’s low availability of population-based cancer registries, limited health promotion, and inadequate access to primary prevention and early detection services.
She said the scarcity of diagnostic facilities increases delays in diagnosis and treatments despite the achievements made, emphasising the need to develop and update the national cancer control plans of each nation, provide sustainable financing and invest in cancer registration by the government.JAMB Result
