In a compelling address on World Cancer Day 2024, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, stated that approximately one-third of cancer cases in Africa can be prevented. Furthermore, she emphasized that an additional third can be fully cured if identified at an early stage and treated effectively.
Despite the potential for early intervention and successful treatment, approximately 70% of global cancer fatalities occur in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America, posing a substantial health concern.
Drawing attention to this issue, Dr. Moeti ardently encouraged African nations to formulate and execute comprehensive, strategic plans to ensure early detection of cancer, subsequently facilitating access to adequate treatment and palliative care.
Dr. Moeti also underscored the significance of the WHO’s recommended “best buys,” designed to encompass efficient strategies to prevent cancer. Key among these suggestions are imposing a ban on tobacco usage and implementing guidelines to limit alcohol consumption. These preventative measures, according to Dr. Moeti, form a crucial defense line in mitigating Africa’s cancer burden.
The WHO Regional Director flagged the necessity for collective action to take on this formidable disease, conveying the message that no single actor or entity can combat this disease independently.
“While the magnitude of the problem is daunting, it is not beyond us to overcome,” said Dr. Moeti. “This is not merely a health crisis; it is a crisis that affects us collectively, and it will take a collective, coordinated effort to tackle and defeat it.”
The message from Dr. Moeti on World Cancer Day 2024 is clear. With a combined effort of preventive measures, early detection, and appropriate medical intervention, we can change the narrative around cancer in Africa. The time to act is now, demonstrating our resilience and commitment towards a healthier future for all across the continent.
