Overview:
Cervical cancer remains one of the deadliest challenges facing South African women. Despite being the second most common cancer after breast cancer, it claims the highest number of cancer-related deaths—often because over 75% of cases are diagnosed too late (STATSSA, 2023; Denny, 2022; NDOH, 2017). In collaboration with leading local institutions, Movement Health is launching an innovative, user-friendly Progressive Web App (PWA) to empower women with information and guide them to timely screening and care. Together, we can transform women’s healthcare and drive measurable impact in communities that need it most.

The Urgency of Change

Cervical cancer in South Africa is not just a statistic—it’s a call for action. The country’s incidence stands at 33.2 per 100,000, and the mortality rate is 19.0 per 100,000, which is nearly four times higher than in upper-middle-income countries (Globocan, 2022). These stark figures illustrate a healthcare system strained by late-stage diagnoses and significant screening gaps, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas.

Key challenges include:

• Late Diagnosis: Over 75% of cervical cancer cases are detected at advanced stages, which drastically reduces treatment success and survival rates (STATSSA, 2023; Denny, 2022; NDOH, 2017).
• HIV Impact: Women living with HIV face a six-fold increased risk of cervical cancer (Finestone & Wishnia, 2022), with studies showing that 40-63% of cervical cancer incidences are attributable to HIV positivity in South Africa (Stelzle et al., 2021). 
• Systemic Barriers: Inadequate patient communication, long waiting times, and limited availability of trained personnel and resources hinder timely screening and follow-up care.

The World Health Organization recommends a "test-and-treat" strategy, yet South Africa has struggled to reach 60% of eligible women, still below the 70% target (Musonda et al., 2022). Our initiative steps in to bridge the gap and offer a tangible solution that saves lives.

A Data-Driven, Innovative Approach

Movement Health has joined forces with the Nelson Mandela University Centre for Community Technologies, the National Department of Health, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), and local experts to develop a Progressive Web App (PWA). This digital platform is more than a website—it’s a dynamic tool designed to empower women with the information they need and guide them through every step of the screening process.

Key Features of the PWA include:

• Accessible Information: The app provides evidence-based insights on cervical cancer, HPV, and preventative measures. Content is available in multiple languages, such as Sotho, Pedi, Tswana, Ndebele, Tsonga, Venda, and English, ensuring it reaches diverse communities.
• Guidance for Screening: Users receive clear, step-by-step instructions on when and where to get screened, with practical tips on preparation and understanding test results.
• Localized Support: A comprehensive directory of nearby screening centers and digital integration into public health campaigns (including smart TV displays in clinic waiting areas) makes it easier for women, especially those in underserved areas, to access care.
• Innovative Engagement: Features like voice input, text-to-speech support, and gamification elements enhance user engagement and accessibility, even in regions with limited connectivity.

This solution is set to launch in three phases—from pilot implementation in select districts to nationwide scaling and eventually extending across the subregion. The pilot phase will focus on boosting screening rates and educating women on the importance of early detection, while later phases will integrate additional women’s health services, including breast cancer screening and HIV prevention.

The Opportunity for You

Collaboration is the key to achieving meaningful change. As a potential partner, you have the unique opportunity to join us on this transformative journey. Your involvement will drive significant public health improvements in South Africa and deliver tangible benefits to your organization.

Why Partner with Movement Health?

• Drive Innovation and Efficiency:
  Our approach is powered by data and innovation. By partnering with us, you can promote access to cutting-edge technology and expertise that can inform and enhance your business strategies.
• Achieve Measurable Impact:
  The initiative’s success is not just measured in improved screening rates—it’s reflected in lives saved and communities strengthened. With clear performance metrics and continuous evaluation, every dollar you invest is tracked against tangible outcomes, such as the shift from late-stage to early-stage diagnoses and improved treatment success rates. This evidence-based approach ensures that your contribution leads to real, measurable progress.
• Enhance Your Brand’s Impact:
  Aligning with this initiative positions your organization as a leader in corporate social responsibility. Your support will be a visible commitment to improving women’s health and tackling a critical challenge in emerging markets. Imagine the value of being associated with a project that uses a digital platform to reduce screening gaps and, in turn, decrease late-stage diagnoses by providing timely, accessible information.
• Expand Market Reach:
  With over 90% of South African households accessing smart devices, our digital solution is poised to reach a broad audience. Your support can help us scale this innovative platform, opening new opportunities in emerging markets and enhancing your corporate presence where it matters most.

How We Work Together

Our collaboration framework is designed to be flexible, transparent, and mutually beneficial. We offer two distinct partnership models that cater to different strategic priorities, ensuring you can choose the level of engagement that best suits your goals.

Global Engagement:
For partners looking to influence broader strategies and drive long-term, transformational outcomes, the Global Engagement model offers an opportunity to shape our initiatives at a strategic level. Your leadership in this role reinforces your organization’s commitment to innovation and social impact on a global scale.

Targeted Project Support:
Alternatively, our Targeted Project Support model allows you to contribute directly to this cervical cancer screening initiative if you prefer a focused, tactical involvement. In this model, your investment directly funds the PWA's development, deployment, and scaling, with clear, quantifiable results in specific regions. This approach offers rapid, measurable impact and allows you to showcase your contribution through well-documented improvements in screening rates and early diagnosis.

In both models, we ensure that your experience is seamless and collaborative. Our process includes:

• Strategic Alignment: We begin by aligning our objectives to ensure that your support meets both our public health goals and your business priorities.
• Ongoing Communication: Regular updates, performance reviews, and feedback sessions keep you informed and engaged throughout the project lifecycle.
• Transparent Evaluation: With rigorous monitoring and clear performance metrics, you can see exactly how your contribution is making a difference in terms of lives saved and enhanced brand reputation.

Your Invitation to Impact

The challenge of cervical cancer in South Africa is urgent, but together, we can create a solution that changes lives. This initiative represents a rare and compelling opportunity for partners ready to make a difference while achieving strategic business goals. By joining forces with Movement Health, you are investing in innovative technology and scalable solutions and championing a cause that matters.

Contact us to collaborate and learn more about how your support can help transform women’s health in South Africa. Let’s work together to bridge the screening gap, drive early detection, and build a future where every woman can access timely, quality care. Your partnership is the catalyst for change.  mail: merlewangerin@movement-health.org