Cervical Cancer is a major public health issue in Malawi. It is the most common type of cancer among women, accounting for almost half of the total number of cancers among the female population. Every year, over 3,600 women are estimated to develop cervical cancer and over 2,300 (almost two thirds) die from it. High prevalence of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), frequent co-infection with HIV, inadequate screening and limited availability or accessibility of treatment all contribute to the high incidence (number of new cases) and mortality.

MSF opened its oncology programme dedicated to cervical cancer in 2018 and progressively expanded its reach to offer a complete package of care. The programme is run in collaboration with the local health authorities and activities today include prevention through HPV vaccination campaigns, screening, treatment and palliative care. Treatment options range from relatively simple procedures such as thermos-coagulation, to slightly more invasive ones such as Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) and, following the opening of a dedicated operating theatre in December 2019, major surgical interventions.

Malawi is one of the poorer southern African countries, with around 70% of the population estimated to be living with less than 1.80 dollars a day, well below the World Bank’s poverty line. The country has limited skilled medical staff and its healthcare sector depends on foreign donors for two thirds of its budget.