By Bonakele Mabuza
MBABANE – It is wonderful to hear that there are husbands supporting their wives and encouraging them to get screened for cancer.
These words were said by Dr. Maseko, who is a prominent figure in the Cancer Control Unit department of the Ministry of Health. He was highlighting the need for people to encourage women to go for cervical cancer testing and screening. He commended men who encouraged their wives and other female relatives to do cervical cancer testing.
Today, Dr Maseko appeared on the Eswatini TV’s Kusile breakfast Show, to discuss the importance of raising awareness about cervical cancer.
In a conversation with host Sifiso Nxumalo, Dr. Maseko emphasised the need for men to encourage and accompany women to undergo cervical cancer screening. According to Dr. Maseko, awareness of cervical cancer is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort until individuals change their behavior. He highlighted the importance of creating awareness among the population and adopting a holistic approach to raise awareness.
“We will take a closer look at the data on cervical cancer in Eswatini. Once we have a clearer picture, we will update everyone with the latest numbers. The good news is, our strategies are aligned with the Global Call to action. This means in the next five to 10 years, as we continue screenings, we expect to see a significant reduction in positive results. These efforts we’re putting in now will truly pay off in the years to come,” he said.
Maseko called upon male partners to support their female partners in terms of cervical cancer screening, emphasizing the positive impact of male involvement in encouraging women to undergo screening.
He stressed the treatability of cervical cancer at the pre-cancer stage and the importance of early screening and access to medical care. Maseko mentioned the Ministry’s plans to review and update the data on cervical cancer in Eswatini, aligning with global strategies to reduce the prevalence of the disease in the next five to ten years.
Furthermore, Dr. Maseko highlighted the Ministry’s collaboration with the GAVI Alliance to launch cervical cancer screenings in schools, targeting children age 9 to 14. Despite initial challenges, the Ministry managed to reach 74 percent of the targeted population, aiming to achieve the United Nations’ goal of reaching and injecting 90 percent of children before the age of 15.
Maseko encouraged parents to bring their children for cervical cancer injections, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children’s future well-being.
Dr. Maseko’s advocacy for cervical cancer awareness and screening underscores the Ministry of Health’s commitment to combating the disease and promoting public health initiatives. He said through collaborative efforts and community engagement, the Ministry aims to make significant strides in reducing the burden of cervical cancer in Eswatini.
