World Cancer Day: Onlu 10 Percent of Women Covered by Cervical Cancer Screening

Although cervical cancer is one of the few malignant diseases that can be almost completely prevented, around 200 women in North Macedonia are diagnosed every year, and between 40 and 60 women lose their lives to this disease. It is alarming that in 2024, only about 10% of the target group of women were covered by the organized screening program, far below the minimum threshold needed for effective prevention.

On the occasion of February 4 – World Cancer Day, which this year is marked under the motto “United in Our Uniqueness,” we emphasize the need for the healthcare system to place people and their real needs at the center of healthcare, with a special focus on women and vulnerable groups.

Analyses and field experience show that preventive healthcare is not a priority in health policies. The budget for preventive programs has stagnated for years and does not keep pace with rising costs and inflation – in 2025 it amounted to 672.5 million denars, and 677 million denars are planned for 2026. At the same time, only 23 million denars per year are allocated for screening for malignant diseases, a sum that has remained unchanged for years and is meant to cover four different types of cancer.

The situation with cervical cancer screening is particularly concerning. The program, introduced back in 2012, has only 11 million denars per year at its disposal, which does not allow for adequate coverage or quality. The lack of gynecologists in around 40 municipalities, the limited operation of the mobile gynecological clinic, and administrative barriers further hinder women’s access to timely prevention.

While many European Union countries are approaching the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem, in our country this disease continues to claim lives that could be saved. Effective and adequately funded screening, together with high coverage of HPV vaccination among girls and boys, are key measures to prevent these devastating statistics.

Therefore, we call on the Government and the Ministry of Health to urgently increase financial support for cervical cancer screening to at least 35 million denars per year, ensure better access to gynecological services, strengthen HPV vaccination, and invest in continuous and comprehensive health education campaigns.
Prevention saves lives. Investing in early detection is not a cost, but an investment – in the health of women and vulnerable groups, and in the sustainability of the entire healthcare system.

The work in the field of improving cervical cancer screening has been carried out within the framework of the project “Improved Health Rights of Girls, Women, and Vulnerable Groups.” The project is implemented by the partner organizations HERA – Association for Health Education and Research, Association for Emancipation, Solidarity and Equality of Women – ESE, Association for the Support of People Living with HIV – Together Stronger, and the Women’s Rights Initiative Association from Shutka, with the support of the Government of Switzerland through Civica Mobilitas.

Link to the publication with the findings of civil society organizations.

The content of this statement is the sole responsibility of HERA – Association for Health Education and Research, Association for Emancipation, Solidarity and Equality of Women – ESE, Association for the Support of People Living with HIV – Together Stronger, and the Women’s Rights Initiative Association from Shutka, and in no way can be considered to reflect the views of the Government of Switzerland, Civica Mobilitas, or the implementing organizations.