By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
As the country commemorates Women’s day, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is celebrating a 29% increase in cervical cancer screenings across the province.
This represents an increase of 44 908 women accessing screening services that can detect changes in the cervix before they develop into cancer.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Faith Mazibuko, said the progress demonstrates what can be achieved when women have access to health information and services.
“The women of 1956 understood that progress begins when women stand up and act. Seventy years later, we honour them by ensuring that women are empowered with information and access to services that can save their lives. Every woman who goes for screening is taking charge of her health, her future and the wellbeing of her family,” she said.
This is as the National Women’s Day commemoration is being held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
According to the provincial department, a total of 198 611 women were screened during the 2025/26 financial year, compared with 153 703 in 2024/25. This represents an increase of 44 908 women accessing a service that can detect changes in the cervix early, before they develop into cancer.
The department said the improvement is attributed to cervical cancer awareness drives implemented across all five districts from the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The West Rand recorded the greatest improvement, while Ekurhuleni has been identified for further targeted intervention to increase screening uptake.
“The increase is encouraging, but our work will continue until every eligible woman understands the importance of screening and can access the service,” said Mazibuko
According to the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa’s March 2024 report, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa. The report further states that 18 of the 20 countries with the highest cervical cancer burden globally are in the African Region, which accounted for 23% of global cervical cancer deaths in 2022.
However, cervical cancer is largely preventable through Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and regular screening, and it can be cured when detected early and treated promptly.