On World Cancer Day, we join the World Health Organization in affirming that “cancer can be prevented, detected earlier and treated more effectively – and every life saved matters,” as emphasized by WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi.

The official World Cancer Day theme (United by Unique, 2025–2027) recognizes that “every experience with cancer is unique,” calling for people-centred cancer care that looks beyond the disease to the individual—while uniting communities, institutions and systems in action.

Ifakara’s work in cervical cancer in TZ

The Ifakara Health Institute, in partnership with St. Francis Regional Referral Hospital and the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, hosts regular Colposcopy Courses—intensive trainings designed to strengthen cervical cancer prevention and early detection skills among healthcare providers in Tanzania.

This commitment is further reflected in the project “Towards the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Tanzania: Transdisciplinary Science for Smarter Implementation Strategies (SPIRIT)”, led by Principal Investigator Dr Sally Mtenga. The study is generating critical evidence to strengthen cervical cancer screening, reduce treatment delays, and improve continuity of care for women in Ifakara and Kilombero Districts.

This World Cancer Day, United by Unique, we reaffirm our commitment to equity, science, and people-centred solutions—turning evidence into action and ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against cancer.