National Strategy to Reduce Cervical Cancer Incidence and Mortality: Are Health Facilities Complying? Case of Kilimanjaro Region
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Background
Cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Tanzania despite being largely preventable. In response, the Ministry of Health developed the Tanzania Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control Strategic Plan (2020–2024), emphasizing secondary prevention strategies such as screening and pre-cancer treatment by health facilities across the country. However, by the year 2020, only 9% out of 6,447 health facilities were providing screening and treatment services in Tanzania.
Methods
A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in the Kilimanjaro Region. Ten (10) health facilities offering cervical cancer screening services. A stratified sampling method was employed. Data was collected using the CECAP scorecard checklist. Data was analyzed using STATA 18, and facility performance was assessed based on readiness and guideline compliance thresholds.
Results
Among 10 facilities that were assessed, only 60% were structurally ready to deliver quality cervical cancer screening services, and just 30% complied with national screening guidelines. Gaps were observed in the availability of treatment equipment, trained healthcare providers, follow-up mechanisms, and inadequate community outreach services. Out of 462 health facilities in the region, only 41(8.9%) facilities offer cervical cancer screening services, indicating major gaps in service availability and coverage limitations.
Conclusion
The study reveals gaps in cervical cancer facility readiness and compliance with national guidelines in the Kilimanjaro region. Despite cervical cancer services’ availability, service integration, systemic, and operational barriers persist. Targeted investments in infrastructure, training, monitoring, and community engagement are essential to accelerate progress towards the national cervical cancer prevention goal.
