BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE- Men have been urged to play an active and supportive role in the fight against cervical cancer by providing emotional, physical, and educational support to their families.
This call was made on November 17, 2025 during the Cervical Cancer Elimination Day held at Dvokolwako Health Centre, where officials emphasised that men’s involvement is critical in strengthening prevention and treatment efforts across communities.
Hhohho Regional Cancer Coordinator, Nokwanda Matsentjwa, highlighted that men can help reduce cervical cancer risks through responsible health practices such as circumcision, which lowers the chances of transmitting the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
She further encouraged men to remind their partners to attend regular cervical cancer screenings, noting that HIV-positive women should be screened annually, while HIV-negative women should be screened every two years.
“Emotional support is very important, especially when a woman is undergoing treatment. Men should stand with their families and ensure their partners do not miss appointments or medication schedules,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dvokolwako Health Centre Administrator, Nompilo Dlamini, praised the increasing participation of men in cervical cancer prevention activities, saying their involvement has a positive impact on community health outcomes.
She said men can play a meaningful role by educating themselves and their families about cervical cancer, accompanying their partners for screenings, and encouraging children especially girls to receive the HPV vaccine.
Nompilo added that men’s engagement in open health discussions, including community “men-talks,” helps reduce stigma and fosters an environment where women feel supported. “When men stand with their families, they help drive early detection, prevention, and emotional support, which are all essential in our fight against cervical cancer,” she said.
Health officials continue to encourage men across the country to take an active role in supporting national efforts to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, stressing that shared responsibility within households is key to saving lives.
#CervicalCancerAwareness #MensHealth #HPVPrevention #HealthEswatini #CancerElimination2030 #FamilySupport #CommunityHealth #NdvokolwakoHealthCentre #HhohhoRegion
(Courtesy Pic)
