Message from WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti
Today, on 4 February, WHO joins the international community in commemorating World Cancer Day under the theme “United by Unique”, a reminder that every cancer journey matters, and that collective action is key to ensuring compassionate, equitable care for all.
In the African Region, more than 900 000 new cancer cases and over 580 000 deaths were recorded in 2022 alone, evidence that the disease continues to pose a significant and urgent health challenge across the continent.
Cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the region, accounting for over 22% of all cancer deaths, while breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed. For men, prostate cancer is the most common, and continues to rise.
Without urgent action, cancer deaths in Africa could increase by over 70% by 2040.
Behind every statistic is a personal story. I lost a beloved aunt to cervical cancer – a loss that deepened my commitment to ensuring that prevention and care reach all those who need it.
I shared this story during the WHO Regional Committee for Africa’s 74th Session (RC74) last year, when we hosted an inspiring side-event at which cervical cancer survivors called for expanded HPV vaccination, screening and treatment.
Also last year, during the 1st International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa (ICPPA) in the United Republic of Tanzania, we were inspired by a childhood cancer survivor who shared how his experience drives his mission to improve access to care. Similarly, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, young breast cancer survivors and their families shared moving accounts of their struggles and triumphs.
These voices remind us that cancer care is not just about numbers – it is about people, families and communities.
Prostate, colorectal and liver cancers – the latter often linked to viral hepatitis – also require urgent attention. Liver cancer is one of the most fatal in the region, due to late diagnosis and limited access to treatment. Yet, there is significant capacity to build on existing initiatives, such as hepatitis B vaccination programmes.
Similarly, colorectal cancer is on the rise, especially in younger populations, while targeted interventions are needed to address prostate cancer. These need to focus on awareness-raising, early detection, and providing tailored services for at-risk populations to ensure equitable access to care.
This demands collaboration with partners and transformative global initiatives, such as the the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC), the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) and the Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative.
We urge Member States, civil society and partners to act now. Expanding HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer, increasing early detection for breast and prostate cancers, and improving access to diagnosis and treatment for liver and colorectal cancers are vital.
We must also strengthen health systems to ensure affordable, high-quality cancer care, and invest in education campaigns to reduce stigma, encourage HPV vaccination, and promote early diagnosis.
Cancer survivors and their families play a key role in advocacy and policy development. Their lived experiences offer valuable insights that can shape patient-centred health systems.
To leaders across the region, I encourage you to adopt WHO’s evidence-based tools, including the updated “Best Buys” for noncommunicable diseases, to implement cost-effective and sustainable solutions. Integrating cancer prevention, screening, treatment and palliative care into broader health services will be crucial in closing the gaps in care.
We all have a role to play. Together we can create a future where cancer care is accessible to all, and no one is left behind.
Learn more:
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.afro.who.int%2Fregional-director%2Fspeeches-messages%2Fworld-cancer-day-2025
