Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini has taken a monumental step in advancing women’s health with the launch of the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Acceleration Plan 2025–2030, held at Happy Valley Hotel.
The event took place today, July 14, 2025, and was graced by the presence of HRH Inkhosikati LaMatsebula, HRH Princess Tsandzile Dlamini, Senate President Princess Lindiwe, and the Minister of Health, Honourable Mduduzi Matsebula. Also in attendance were representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), senior government officials, development partners, and civil society.
Her Royal Highness Princess Tsandzile Dlamini said the launch marks a vital step in eliminating cervical cancer, with expanded access to HPV vaccines, screening, and treatment. Together, the nation moves forward with hope and purpose.
This historic initiative demonstrates the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030. The plan aligns with the global 90-70-90 strategy, aiming for 90% of girls to be vaccinated by age 15, 70% of women to be screened between ages 35 and 45, and 90% of those diagnosed to receive appropriate treatment.
Speaking at the event, HRH Inkhosikati LaMatsebula emphasized that cervical cancer accounts for 37.6% of all new cancers in Eswatini, with an average of 269 deaths annually. “The good news is that we are committed to making a difference,” she said, highlighting the plan’s pillars: HPV vaccination, screening, treatment, palliative care, and monitoring systems.
Remarkably, since the introduction of the HPV vaccine in 2023, over 74% of eligible girls around 60,000 children have already been vaccinated. The Ministry is also working toward including boys in the vaccination program by 2030.
WHO Representative Dr. Susan Tembo commended Eswatini for scaling up access, noting that 90% of health facilities now offer screening services. “From just 1.7% coverage in 2024 to 65.9% today this is extraordinary,” she said.
Cervical cancer survivor Philile Nhleko shared her powerful journey, calling for increased support, especially for those who cannot afford treatment.
Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula announced that the Ministry has expanded its mobile cancer units from one to four, ensuring each region has access to screening and treatment services.
This plan will not implement itself. But with the collective efforts of government, partners, and the community, Eswatini is determined to become a cervical cancer-free nation.
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