Ouagadougou – Awa, a 48-year-old mother of six from Ipendo, located in the Centre-Ouest region of Burkina Faso, recounted her initial apprehension. “When the town crier announced free screening services, I feared a diagnosis. How would I afford treatment? But thinking of my children, I chose to go.”

Like Awa, countless women across the nation have grappled with similar anxieties, facing significant barriers to accessing crucial health services. Their predicament highlights a critical public health challenge: cervical cancer continues to be a leading cause of death among women in the country.

Prior to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global strategy for accelerating its elimination, cervical cancer screening coverage in Burkina Faso was alarmingly low, barely reaching 8%. Rural communities were severely underserved, with women often traveling vast distances—dozens, even hundreds of kilometers—to reach a facility. Financial constraints for transport and treatment, a scarcity of trained healthcare professionals, and a near absence of public awareness further compounded these challenges.

To overcome these hurdles, the Burkinabè government implemented bold interventions, as explained by Professor Nayi Zongo, an oncologist, public health physician, and coordinator of the National Cancer Control Program (PNLC). Professor Zongo stated, “The government passed a decree making cervical cancer screening and treatment for precancerous lesions free of charge. They also equipped several peripheral health centers and deployed mobile clinics to reach women directly.”

These innovative mobile clinics have emerged as a beacon of health equity. They travel directly into villages, agricultural farms, bustling markets, and even family courtyards. This approach ensures women no longer have to abandon their vital farming or household duties to access cervical cancer screening. “Screening is brought closer to communities, enabling them to maintain their livelihoods while safeguarding their health,” emphasized Professor Zongo.

Burkina Faso’s initiative stands out due to its synergistic blend of strategic approaches. This includes eliminating financial barriers through free healthcare services, overcoming geographical distances with mobile clinics, and fostering robust community mobilization. The nation also integrated widespread awareness campaigns via television and radio advertisements, alongside popular events like “Octobre Rose.” Furthermore, a national coalition against cancer was formed, uniting civil society, community leaders, and media to drive demand for services. This comprehensive strategy has successfully elevated the fight against cervical cancer into a national cause.

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) support proved crucial in realizing this ambitious vision. The organization provided technical assistance for establishing national guidelines, trained healthcare professionals in detecting and treating precancerous lesions, and supported community engagement efforts. “WHO has stood by us, strengthening our capabilities and ensuring every woman, regardless of her location, can access this vital service,” affirmed Professor Zongo.

The outcomes have been truly remarkable. Within a single year, from October 2024 to September 2025, 468 mobile clinic outreach sessions were conducted across numerous communities. These missions successfully sensitized nearly 2 million women, performed 106,446 screenings, carried out 715 treatments to eliminate precancerous lesions, and conducted 113 in-depth examinations to confirm diagnoses. These figures transcend mere statistics; they signify lives saved and families protected from the devastating impact of cervical cancer.

For WHO, this achievement underscores the power of collaborative efforts. Dr. Seydou Coulibaly, WHO Representative in Burkina Faso, stated, “Burkina Faso demonstrates that with strong political commitment and context-specific solutions, seemingly insurmountable barriers can be overcome.” He emphasized the exemplary nature of this initiative for Africa, adding, “The removal of financial and geographical obstacles, achieved through free services and mobile clinics, offers an inspiring blueprint for other nations.”

In the villages, these dedicated efforts translate into tangible personal stories. Awa, the mother of six, shared her daily life: “We work in the fields, garden, and sell vegetables at the market. When screening was mentioned, I was afraid. But hearing other women’s experiences convinced me. On the day of the test, the health workers explained every step. When my result was negative, I felt immense relief. Now, I advise all women to get screened. If the disease is found early, treatment is much simpler,” she confidently declared.

For countless women like Awa, these mobile clinics offer more than just a medical service; they often provide the very first opportunity to learn about cervical cancer, understand its risks, and realize that it is preventable. This initial awareness is a pivotal step, paving the way for effective prevention and comprehensive care.

Beyond health outcomes, this groundbreaking initiative addresses fundamental issues of dignity, social justice, and the future well-being of families. Every mobile clinic arriving in a village carries a powerful message: health is a universal right, not a privilege. In Burkina Faso, this right is progressively becoming a tangible reality for all.