-- The Movement Health Foundation, in collaboration with Nelson Mandela University’s Centre for Community Technologies and the Eastern Cape Provincial Government, has officially launched a new digital health initiative aimed at improving cervical cancer screening uptake across South Africa.
Photo Courtesy of: Movement Health Foundation
This joint effort is part of a broader commitment made through the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in 2024 to empower women to live cancer-free. The project uses cost-effective digital tools to strengthen early detection and diagnosis of cervical and breast cancer in underserved communities, with a specific focus on rural and peri-urban areas.
The key feature of the South African initiative is the development and deployment of a user-friendly Progressive Web App (PWA) designed to provide accessible, evidence-based information on cervical cancer. The app is currently being piloted in all eight districts of the Eastern Cape Province. It supports multiple South African languages, features offline access, voice interaction capabilities, animations and videos, and interactive maps to locate nearby screening centers.
“The goal of this project is to remove the barriers that prevent women from receiving timely cervical cancer screening,” said Bogi Eliasen, Executive Director of the Movement Health Foundation. “By providing clear, accessible information through mobile technology, we are equipping women with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their health.”
The initiative is supported by the Eastern Cape Department of Health and aligns with South Africa’s broader public health strategy to eliminate cancer-related mortality through early detection and improved care coordination. Cervical cancer is currently the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the country, with South Africa reporting one of the highest incidence rates globally—33.2 new cases per 100,000 women in 2022.
Women living with HIV are particularly at risk, accounting for an estimated 30–40% of cervical cancer cases. The web app is designed to address this issue by encouraging earlier screenings, especially for high-risk groups, and by helping users understand available screening options and timelines.
“This is not just about building technology,” added Eliasen. “It’s about improving how people access healthcare services, especially in regions where distance, cost, or lack of information too often lead to delayed diagnoses.”
The initiative also addresses long-standing gaps in awareness, access, and trust. In many communities, women face challenges such as fear of male providers, lack of transportation, and long clinic waiting times. By reducing these obstacles and streamlining referral pathways, the web app aims to improve screening participation and reduce late-stage diagnoses.
The project builds upon the Movement Health Foundation’s broader work across Latin America and Africa, where similar digital solutions have been implemented in partnership with local governments and healthcare providers. In Peru, the foundation recently launched a similar initiative expected to reach over 170,000 women.
Pilot evaluations in South Africa are expected to be completed in late 2025, with a full national rollout planned in phases thereafter, subject to government approval and partner readiness. The app is also being considered for adaptation and expansion to other African countries facing similar public health challenges.
About the Movement Health Foundation
The Movement Health Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to scaling digital health solutions that improve healthcare access and outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. With a focus on cancer, cardiovascular disease, and primary care innovation, the foundation partners with governments, technology developers, and health systems to implement and scale proven digital health tools. Its work spans Latin America, Africa, and Europe, and aims to advance health equity through collaborative, data-driven, and sustainable solutions.
Contact Info:
Name: Olga Gil, PR & Communications Director
Email: Send Email
Organization: Movement Health Foundation
Website: http://www.movement-health.org
Release ID: 89171806
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