Efforts to prevent, treat cervical cancer increasing in Africa

The Guardian's "Poverty Matters Blog" examines efforts to prevent and treat cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa, where "cervical cancer kills large numbers of women, many of whom are never diagnosed because local hospitals do not recognize the disease until it is too late." However, "[a] very simple and cheap form of screening has begun to be introduced -- and now there is the possibility of a vaccination program against the sexually transmitted human papilloma virus (HPV) that causes most cervical cancers," the blog writes, noting a recent announcement by the GAVI Alliance that it plans to fund HPV immunization programs in several countries. According to the blog, "15 countries [are] asking to be considered," and "Uganda and Rwanda have already been approved, although some 'clarifications' are required from the governments on how their programs will run." The blog continues, "No one believes it will be easy to introduce the HPV vaccination in Africa, and there may be problems," including issues with efficacy and cost (Boseley, 12/14).