MSD Virtual Media Roundtable
WHAT: Virtual Press Roundtable hosted by MSD, bringing together oncology experts and healthcare advocates to address the critical burden of women’s cancers in Africa and discuss practical, solution‑driven approaches to improving outcomes.
DATE : Wednesday, 18 February 2026
TIME :
14H00 SAST (Southern Africa Time / UTC+2)
15H00 EAT (East Africa Time / UTC+3)
12H00 UCT (Universal Time / UTC+0)
REGISTRATION: ON24 – Click HERE
WHY: Major cancers affecting women including breast and cervical cancer account for well over one million deaths globally each year, based on World Health Organization and International Agency for Research on Cancer estimates¹. In Africa, this burden is especially stark, with breast and cervical cancers continuing to drive high mortality despite advances in healthcare.
This roundtable is organized to move beyond awareness and focus on “Turning Insight into Action.” The session will address the “perfect storm” of challenges in cancer care, including late-stage diagnosis, limited access to innovative treatments, and the need for stronger policy frameworks. Experts will outline priorities for improving the patient journey, from prevention and screening to long-term survivorship.
They will also explore how investing in women’s cancers can deliver high returns: saving lives, strengthening health systems and supporting economic resilience across the region.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
To discuss the current landscape of women’s cancer in Africa and identify key barriers to equitable care.
To showcase successful clinical and community models that can be scaled across the region.
To call for increased collaboration between public and private sectors to prioritize women’s health in national cancer control plans.
SPEAKERS:
- Zweli Bashman: Managing Director, MSD Sub‑Saharan Africa – MSD’s long‑term investment and partnerships to improve women’s cancer care across the region.
- Dr. Sheynaz Bassa: Access and equity gaps in treatment for women’s cancers in South Africa – and emerging solutions.
- Dr. Hannah Naa Gogwe Ayettey: Early detection, myths and equity challenges in breast and cervical cancer care in Ghana.
- Dr. Nwamaka Lasebikan: Real‑world experience of early diagnosis in Nigeria: what’s working and where women are still being missed.
- Dr. Andrew Odhiambo: How Kenya is strengthening cancer care pathways for women from timely diagnosis to affordable treatment and what real‑world data reveal about gaps, referral challenges, and system improvements that are making a measurable difference.
- Lauren Pretorius: CEO, Campaigning for Cancer – Lived patient journeys across SSA and the advocacy push to change outcomes for women with breast and cervical cancer.
MC: Vuyo Mjekula, External Affairs Director SSA – MSD
Interpreter : ON24 Team
Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of MSD
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Interpretation will be available in French.
The session will be held as a live, interactive discussion without formal slide presentations.
REFERENCES
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer
- https://www.who.int/health-topics/cervical-cancer#tab=tab_1
About MSD
At MSD, known as MSD & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.msd.com and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and YouTube.
For further information, please contact:
African Media Agency : Msd@africanmediaagency.com
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