The Net. Strengthening Women’s Cancer Prevention and Women’s Health in Malawi

In Malawi, cervical and breast cancers are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among women of reproductive age. The country records one of the highest cervical cancer mortality rates globally, while the incidence of breast cancer is steadily increasing.

Limited access to healthcare services, shortages of trained personnel, the insufficient availability of structured prevention programmes, and socio-cultural factors that hinder healthcare-seeking behaviour all contribute to late diagnoses, with serious consequences for women’s health and for their families.

The Project

The Net aims to strengthen territorial health governance and improve the organisation of women’s cancer prevention services in the Blantyre district and surrounding areas.

The initiative promotes an integrated model that combines health planning, staff training, community engagement and the strengthening of primary healthcare services, in line with Malawi’s national strategies and global health objectives.

Objective

To contribute to improving women’s health in Malawi by increasing the coverage and quality of cancer prevention services for breast and cervical cancer, while simultaneously strengthening local health system governance capacities.

Key Areas of Intervention

Institutional strengthening and health governance
Support to district health authorities in planning, service coordination and the development of operational plans for women’s cancer prevention.

Training of healthcare personnel
Training programmes for community health workers, healthcare professionals and laboratory technicians on prevention practices, screening and early diagnosis.

Community awareness and participation
Information and awareness-raising activities targeting women, families and local leaders to promote preventive behaviours and increase demand for healthcare services.

Strengthening prevention services

• HPV vaccination campaigns for girls

• Cervical and breast cancer screening programmes

• Mobile services in rural and urban areas

• Establishment of cytology and telemedicine services

Funding

Funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).