Huíla Launches Innovative Project to Strengthen Prevention and Early Diagnosis of Breast and Cervical Cancer

At a time when late diagnosis continues to jeopardize the survival of thousands of women, the province of Huíla is taking a decisive step by strengthening cancer prevention and early detection. The launch of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Project, funded by Roche and with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), marks a concrete shift in how these diseases are addressed, combining scientific knowledge, local capacity-building, and closer engagement with communities.

Designed as a pilot project with the potential for expansion, the program aims to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with two of the most common cancers among women in Angola. Annually, there are an estimated 2,898 new cases of breast cancer and 2,823 of cervical cancer; the latter accounts for approximately 3,195 diagnoses and 1,949 deaths per year, highlighting the urgent need for more effective and timely responses.

The project combines primary molecular screening for HPV (human papillomavirus) with the differential diagnosis of breast cancer, in line with the WHO's global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030. Its implementation in the municipalities of Lubango and Hoque, as well as in the communes of Huíla, Hoque, and Toko, allows for the testing of an evidence-based intervention model adapted to local realities, with the potential to be replicated in other regions of the country.

From the outset, the training of health professionals and community health workers has been one of the main drivers of change. During an initial intensive ten-day session, doctors, nurses, and community health workers strengthened their skills in early detection, with a focus on physical breast examination, and deepened their knowledge of risk factors, warning signs, and prevention strategies. The concept of "opportunistic screening" was also introduced, which promotes the early identification of cases whenever patients come into contact with the healthcare system.

The practical component, which included simulated patient care scenarios and the development of community action plans, contributed to a more effective application of the knowledge acquired. Meanwhile, the community component has played a central role, facilitating greater adherence to screening and helping to reduce barriers to accessing health care.

Through health education sessions at health centers, community health workers have been promoting preventive practices and greater health literacy, encouraging breast self-exams, physical activity, and other protective behaviors.

At the same time, the project is introducing structured mechanisms for data collection and analysis, with plans to screen 100 women in the initial phase using molecular HPV tests and to diagnose 25 suspected cases of breast cancer. Generating this data will be essential for guiding decisions and strengthening the health system's response.

Maria João Chipalavela, Vice-Governor of Huíla for the political, social, and economic sectors, emphasized that the initiative strengthens women's health protection and contributes to the well-being of families and communities through prevention and early access to health services.

For his part, the WHO project manager, Dr. Nzuzi Katondi, noted that the initiative demonstrates that it is possible to save lives through early detection by combining science, local capacity-building, and community engagement. He emphasized that "Huíla is transforming global goals into concrete actions at the local level."

Dr. Kama Sandra, a WHO consultant for the project, added that the initiative helps increase communities' knowledge about cancer prevention, while also improving access to screening services, promoting early diagnosis, and supporting the achievement of national cancer control goals.

By investing in the training of specialized personnel, strengthening monitoring systems, and building local data sets, the project lays a solid foundation for its sustainability and expansion, establishing itself as a promising model for cancer control in Angola.