A human rights response to cervical cancer in Africa

Abstract

This article examines the prevalence and impacts of human papilomavirus (HPV) transmission among women in Africa. It then examines the relevance of a rights-based approach to health-related challenges such as cervical cancer. In particular, the article argues that ensuring access to comprehensive programmes for the prevalence and impact of cervical cancer in Africa is a human rights issue which demands the urgent attention of African governments. The article then discusses two broad barriers (socio-cultural factors and failure of the health care systems in Africa) to the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. Thereafter, the article suggests the human rights framework that African governments can adopt to ensure access to the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. It concludes that African governments would need to do more than what presently exists in the region with regard to improving HPV treatment.