Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable yet persistent health threats to women in Uganda. Uganda Rural Development and Training Programme (URDT) is at the forefront to combat this disease, shifting focus from treatment to prevention through awareness, vaccination, and screening.
Shamim Namagembe, the coordinator of URDT’s Screening Project for Advancing Cervical Cancer Awareness and Detection (SPACC Project), highlights the organization’s commitment to making screening services accessible to women in rural communities, particularly in Bunyoro, including Kagadi, Kibaale, and Kakumiro districts. “The project aims to reach even the most remote villages, ensuring that women have the right information and can make informed decisions about screening,” she explains.
One of URDT’s most innovative approaches has been incorporating social workers into the project. “In previous programs, we noticed that domestic violence incidents arose when women sought screening without their husbands’ knowledge. Now, social workers help mediate and explain the process to families, ensuring a more supportive environment,” Namagembe adds.
Since its inception in 2024, the SPACC Project has screened 8,600 women through community outreaches and health facilities, with 690 women requiring further medical intervention.
Dr. Carolyn Nakisige, a Gynaeoncologist at Uganda Cancer Institute, commends URDT’s grassroots approach, emphasizing that cervical cancer has a long natural history. “From the time of HPV infection to the development of cancer, we have a window of about 10 to 20 years. This gives us an opportunity to intervene through vaccination and screening,” she says.
One of the most effective prevention strategies is the HPV vaccine, recommended for girls at the age of 10. However, vaccination efforts have faced hurdles, particularly in administering the second dose. “Our biggest challenge has been a drop in second-dose uptake due to myths and misinformation,” Dr. Nakisige explains. “People believed we were sterilizing their daughters.”
In response, URDT has intensified awareness campaigns targeting parents, local leaders, and especially fathers. “Fathers are very influential in these decisions, and engaging them is key,” she adds. The recent WHO recommendation of a single-dose vaccine makes coverage even more feasible.
Screening, another critical component of prevention, is also faced with challenges such as discomfort and lack of privacy at health centers. “Our main method, visual inspection with acetic acid, requires women to undress, which many find uncomfortable. And because they don’t feel sick, they see no urgency,” Dr. Nakisige notes. Through its community outreach model, URDT is working to change this perception, ensuring women understand the importance of early detection.
Mr. Dennis Olodi, Executive Director of the Uganda Cancer Society, underscores the need to involve cultural and religious leaders in the fight against cervical cancer. “Uganda is a rural society with strong cultural and religious ties. Community pillars such as traditional leaders play a crucial role in shaping public perception. If we bring them on board, we can accelerate awareness efforts,” Olodi explains. He also emphasizes the role of the media in spreading accurate information and advocating for increased screening.
Despite the progress, funding remains a challenge, especially following the US government’s review of its aid contributions. “In the face of growing funding constraints, collaboration is key,” Olodi says. “If URDT can handle one aspect but lacks the capacity for another, and the Uganda Cancer Society can fill that gap, we must work together.”
He also points to local fundraising efforts such as the Rotary Cancer Run as proof that community-driven initiatives can yield significant results. “The run started in 2012 with Shs 200 million. By 2023, it had grown to Shs 243 million. This shows that with the right message, local efforts can be powerful.”
Namagembe remains optimistic that Uganda can significantly reduce cervical cancer cases through continued awareness, vaccination, and screening. “We are identifying barriers and addressing them. The turning point is prevention. The more we focus on that, the fewer lives we will lose,” she concludes.
With URDT leading the charge, supported by key health institutions, organizations cultural leaders, and the media, Uganda is on her way to turning the tide against cervical cancer and safeguarding the health of her women.
By Charles Agaba
