Zimbabwe meeting on Human Papillomavirus associated cancers raises scientific – and social – awareness

In East Africa, which covers 50% of the population of the Continent, the major cause of cancer deaths in women is HPV-induced cervical cancer. "What is sobering", states Lawrence Banks, "is that this can be addressed on the ground: through vaccination, screening, early treatment and enhanced awareness of how the disease is caused and can be prevented."

Recently in Harare, Zimbabwe to attend the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Related Cancers Workshop (9-11 September 2024), Dr. Banks confirms that the meeting was "brilliantly organised and extremely impactful. Hopefully," he adds, "This will really help wake people up to the health crisis and promote more awareness. I'm keen to continue ICGEB support of these types of meetings."

According to WHO, in 2019, an estimated 690,000 people died due to HPV-associated cancer. That number continues to grow, today representing 750,000 deaths per year, despite the development of vaccines and advances in science. The Newlands Clinic, run by Dr. Margaret Pascoe, is doing an heroic job in handling the health crisis but Dr. Banks was horrified to see the scourge of HIV-induced cancer in women. "We just have to be more proactive", he continues, "Raise awareness locally to let people know that HPV is not a death sentence but that there are vaccines and diagnostics available."

Sponsored by the Moffitt Cancer Center, the University of Zimbabwe, ICGEB, and the International Papillomavirus Society, the meeting included sessions on cervical cancer, HPV related anal and vulval disease, Head and Neck disease, as well as sessions on basic science in HPV molecular biology, pathology, neoplasia and cancers, tumorigenesis and immunology. The opening ceremony and cervical cancer prevention awareness campaign to be run by the University of Zimbabwe, included guests of honour Dr. David Mombeshora, Minister of Health and Child Care, and Dr. Amon Murwira, Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development.

ICGEB will be sharing the campaign, affirms Dr. Banks.

"From a basic science point of view," he adds, "We are working to address the current deficit in research knowledge on HPV types that are prevalent in Africa. We are aiming to determine whether these specific genotypes have unique mechanisms of cancer induction, considering that populations in Africa are the most genetically diverse groups in the world."

"Supporting this research and meetings such as these within the country, is a great way of making a direct impact on the ground. Anyone who wishes to help us in this endeavour can make an immediate impact through a donation to support these activities."