Cervical cancer can be prevented through vaccination and cured if diagnosed early. Yet it still kills more than 300,000 women worldwide each year.

Globally, only around 21% of women have had a vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes the disease.

In 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) set targets to vaccinate 90% of girls, screen 70% of women, and treat 90% of cervical diseases, aiming to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.

The pressure on healthcare services and facilities is growing in the Erongo Region due to an ageing population, staff shortages, and an underdeveloped healthcare system.

During an interview with nbc News, Regional Health Director Anna Jonas says there is an acute lack of proper mental healthcare facilities as well as congested clinics and health centres both in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund districts due to urban migration.

Recently, a 26-year-old mentally unstable male patient was admitted to the Swakopmund State Hospital for mental treatment.