February 4, 2024: The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, expressed deep concern over the disheartening state of cancer in Africa on Sunday, marking 2024 World Cancer Day.
Dr. Moeti revealed that approximately 882,882 new cancer cases were reported in the WHO African Region, resulting in around 573,653 deaths. She emphasised that 50% of new cancer cases in adults in the region are attributed to breast, cervical, prostate, colorectal, and liver cancers.
The Regional Director warned that without urgent intervention, cancer mortality in the region could soar to approximately one million deaths annually by 2030. She highlighted the alarming projection that cancer death rates in Africa could surpass the global average of 30%, with current survival rates averaging only 12%, significantly lower than the global average of over 80% in high-income countries.
World Cancer Day, observed on February 4th annually, focuses on raising awareness and addressing cancer-related issues. The 2022-2024 theme, “Close the cancer gap,” urges global leaders to prioritise and invest in cancer prevention and care. This year’s theme, “Together, we challenge those in power,” advocates for increased efforts to achieve a just and cancer-free world.
In Nigeria, where cancer is responsible for 72,000 deaths annually, with 102,000 new cases reported each year, the National Cancer Prevention and Control Plan (2018–2022) underscores the urgency of addressing this health crisis.
Dr. Moeti acknowledged progress in cancer prevention and care in Africa, citing that 17 countries have implemented high-performance-based screening tests and 28 Member States have introduced nationwide HPV vaccination to target approximately 60% of the priority population.
The WHO Regional Director called for unity among African countries, communities, partners, and civil society to ensure universal access to cancer prevention and care. She stressed the importance of identifying feasible priorities, implementing evidence-based interventions, and investing in comprehensive cancer control. The theme of this year’s World Cancer Day reinforces the universal right to health for all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status, geographic location, age, or gender.
