Madagascar Shows Commitment to Improving Cancer Care, with Focus on Women’s Health

The most common cancer among women in Madagascar is cervical cancer, with a mortality rate of 30 per cent, followed by breast and colorectal cancers. In men, prostate, liver cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are the most common cancers, driven by infectious diseases.??

The team assessed all elements that can impact cancer care in the country. These include factors such as governance, resources and regulatory frameworks for radiation safety, and components such as surveillance, referral networks, early diagnostic capacities, oncology workforce development opportunities, and readiness for advanced and expanded radiotherapy services.??

“The strength of the imPACT review lies in its analysis of the entire cancer continuum,” said Laurent Musango, WHO Representative in Madagascar. “The assessment reveals a solid foundation for integrating cancer control at the community level, and the potential for an overall strengthening of health systems in terms of prevention and early diagnosis.”??

The review found that Madagascar has been steadfast in boosting cancer services since a previous assessment in 2015. The country has expanded cervical cancer prevention, with pre-cancerous lesion screening already available and HPV vaccination set to start in October and has undertaken important efforts to modernize and distribute imaging services.??

The national health system also has an established and overall qualified health workforce, with six faculties of medicine available to train specialized health professionals – particularly in surgery, a critical aspect in cancer treatment.??

The team recommended that Madagascar continue building capacity to increase and retain human resources in oncology professionals. It also urged further strengthening of radiation safety in medicine and long-term maintenance of existing equipment in nuclear medicine and radiotherapy centres.??

“Radiation safety for the protection of patients, public and staff is foundational to providing comprehensive cancer diagnosis and treatment,” said Vasiliki Kamenopoulou, a radiation safety specialist at the IAEA who participated in the imPACT review. “The Malagasy government is encouraged to reinforce the legal and regulatory framework for safety and bring it in line with the IAEA safety standards.”?

The review noted that Madagascar should also reinforce prevention and early detection actions for other priority cancers, including working with communities for greater breast cancer awareness and boosting pathology services with additional laboratory staff, equipment and supplies.??

Looking forward, the imPACT review recommended strategies to support Madagascar mobilize resources for cancer control, such as the development of bankable documents to facilitate loans and public-private sector partnerships.??

The IAEA’s Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy and Rays of Hope initiative support countries in bridging gaps in cancer care through partnerships with donors, the private sector and financial institutions. Through its technical cooperation and human health programmes, the IAEA also supports countries in strengthening the quality of nuclear and radiation medicine by providing capacity building, provision of equipment, technical advice and advisory services.??