Strengthen health education at the primary level: This should be done in CHC facilities, where the lowest knowledge levels were observed

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the recommendations of the source papers, classified as general, spanning 4 journals. Those papers have been cited 1 times in total.

Supporting evidence — 4 representative gaps

• Facilitators and Barriers to The Access and Utilization of Cervical Cancer Health Services Among Child-Bearing Women in Lusaka District, Zambia (2026) · Journal of Global Health and Social Medicine · doi

  The author suggests that, Lusaka District Health Office should prioritize sustained dissemination of health information on cervical cancer, focusing on risk factors, available screening and vaccination services, locations where services can be accessed, and the importance of early detection and management. Increased awareness is essential for improving screening and vaccine uptake and timely health-seeking behavior among women of childbearing age. The principal investigator further recommends that the Ministry of Health in Zambia, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), should strengthen the use of mobile clinics to improve access to cervical cancer screening and related services, particularly for women facing barriers such as transportation challenges, financial constraints, and privacy concerns. The researcher also recommends that the Lusaka District Health Office should conduct continuous training of healthcare providers, with emphasis on patient confidentiality, culturally sensitive health communication, and quality service delivery, to ensure trust and acceptability of cervical cancer services. The author also suggests that the Lusaka District Health Office, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and community stakeholders should strengthen community engagement and social mobilization strategies in order to improve the utilization of cervical cancer health services. This should include the active involvement of community leaders, women’s groups, churches, market associations, schools, the media, and community health volunteers to disseminate accurate and culturally appropriate information on cervical cancer risk factors, screening methods, availability of free services, and the importance of early detection [21]. Page: 9 of 11 Copyright © Tinkler Saul Simbeye, et al.J Glob Health Soci Med, 2026 Volume 2 | Issue 1www.oaskpublishers.comConclusion In conclusion, this study revealed that, although there is a moderate level of awareness about cervical cancer (51.4%), there remains a significant knowledge gap, particularly regarding risk factors, screening methods, and the importance of early detection among respondents. Additionally, the study highlighted critical barriers that limit access to and utilization of cervical cancer health services among women of reproductive age. These barriers include transportation challenges, lack of privacy and confidentiality, financial constraints, and the distance from home to healthcare facilities, disproportionately affecting women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in Lusaka District, Zambia. While some women are encouraged to utilize cervical cancer health services due to the presence of healthcare professionals and multiple health facilities, the majority of respondents do not participate in educational awareness sessions and are largely unaware of government initiatives and community campaigns. The study therefore recommends that the Lusaka District Health Office should continue implementing comprehensive health education campaigns, social mobilization, and community engagement strategies to increase awareness and utilization of cervical cancer services among women of childbearing age, with emphasis on risk factors, screening methods, available services, early detection, effective management of cervical cancer cases, and the promotion of HPV vaccination. Furthermore, the author further suggests that, Lusaka District Health Office should continue to build the capacity of healthcare providers in areas such as patient confidentiality, culturally sensitive health communication, and the effective use of mobile clinics to mitigate barriers related to transportation, privacy, and financial constraints.

  generalrecommendations
  Keywords: health cervical cancer services women lusaka district screening community office risk factors early detection awareness
• Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Female Students (18-49) Years) Towards Emergency Contraceptive Pills Utilization at Lusaka apex medical university, Lusaka. Zambia (2026) · Journal of Sexual Health and Reproductive Medicine · doi

  1. It is recommended that Lusaka Apex Medical University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Higher Education, and international partners such as WHO and UNESCO, strengthens and institutionalizes targeted reproductive health promotion programs on emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) utilization. These programs incorporate comprehensive health education, should social mobilization, health communication, and awareness campaigns aimed at enhancing knowledge and informed decision-making on ECP use among female students in institutions of higher learning. 2. The investigator also recommends that, Lusaka Apex Medical University management should set-up youth friendly Conner within the campus in order to increase the accessibility and utilization of emergency contraceptive services for youth university students. 3. The author further suggests that the management of Lusaka Apex Medical University should develop peer education and counseling programs across its campuses to promote positive perceptions and strengthen attitudes toward the use of Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) among female students 4. The researcher further recommends that, Lusaka Apex Medical University should promote collaboration between university health services, student leadership, and faith- based groups reinforce positive attitudes, and ensure equitable access to accurate information, thereby improving informed decision-making and optimal utilization of emergency contraceptive pills. 5. The researcher recommends that there is a need to assess the influence of peers and family on the attitudes and perceptions of female students toward emergency contraceptive pills utilization in institutions of higher learning in Zambia. to address misconceptions,

  generalrecommendations
  Keywords: university health emergency contraceptive lusaka apex medical utilization students higher education programs female recommends attitudes
• Evaluating knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer, human papillomavirus and human papillomavirus vaccination among women in East London, South Africa (2026) · African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine · doi

  • Strengthen health education at the primary level: This should be done in CHC facilities, where the lowest knowledge levels were observed. They need structured, frequent health education sessions focused on cervical cancer, HPV and the benefits of vaccination. • Train and empower health workers: Because most women who knew about HPV received this information from health professionals, more training assistant nurses, registered nurses, community health workers and doctors to offer consistent health messaging during consultations is crucial. investment in • Community outreach and school engagement: Efforts must be made to extend HPV vaccine awareness beyond the school system, targeting parents and caregivers through local media, churches, community meetings and women’s groups. Key messages for policy and practice • Cervical cancer is the leading gynaecological malignancy in South Africa. • Awareness of HPV and HPV vaccination is critically low in East London. • Human papillomavirus vaccine uptake remains poor, far below the WHO targets. • Healthcare workers are central to patient education but require further training and support. • Stronger community engagement and targeted education are essential to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.

  generalrecommendations
  Keywords: health education community cervical cancer workers vaccination women training nurses school engagement vaccine awareness strengthen
• Gaps in Knowledge and Practice of Cervical Cancer Screening among Primary Health Care Workers in Lagos State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study (2026) · F1000Research · cited 1× · doi

  The findings of this study have several important implications for strengthening cervical cancer prevention programs through the PHC systems in Nigeria and similar LMICs to achieve the global targets of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030. First, capacity building for PHC workers is essential. Regular training programs should be implemented to improve healthcare workers’ knowledge and skills in cervical cancer screening techniques such as VIA and HPV testing. Second, screening services should be integrated into routine PHC services, particularly maternal and reproductive health programs, to improve early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. Task-shifting strategies that enable trained nurses and community health workers to perform screening procedures may also help expand screening coverage. Third, health system strengthening is necessary to ensure that PHC facilities are adequately equipped with screening equipment and supplies. Government investment in screening infrastructure will be essential for expanding cervical cancer prevention services. Fourth, strengthening referral systems between primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities. PHC workers should also be trained on appropriate referral services. Fifth, enhancement of community awareness programs to promote prevention and early screening. PHC workers should continue to sensitize the community about cervical cancer prevention. Sixth, further studies should explore the effectiveness of community- based screening interventions and evaluate strategies for improving HPV vaccination and screening coverage in Nigeria. Finally, improving cervical cancer prevention requires strong policy support and national cervical cancer control programs aligned with the WHO cervical cancer elimination strategy, which emphasizes vaccination, screening, and treatment as key pillars of cervical cancer prevention. Addressing these gaps will be critical for achieving the global cervical cancer elimination targets by 2030, which will depend on strengthening primary healthcare systems and empowering frontline healthcare workers to provide preventive services.

  generalrecommendations
  Keywords: cervical cancer screening prevention workers programs services strengthening health healthcare community systems nigeria global targets

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