Inequalities in Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake Across Africa Using Harmonized Multi-Country WHO STEPS Data

BackgroundCervical cancer remains a significant global public health challenge, with the overwhelming majority of its burden borne by low- and middle-income countries. Globally, an estimated 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths occur each year, with more than 90% of cervical cancer-related mortality concentrated in resource-limited settings. In Africa, limited access to organized screening programs and early detection services continues to contribute to persistently high incidence and mortality rates, despite the preventable nature of the disease. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis of WHO STEPwise (STEPS) survey data collected between 2014 and 2019 from 11 African countries. The