One of the greatest challenges in public health is ensuring that successful pilot activities continue after initial implementation. In May 2026, Chronic Disease Mate Africa (CDMA) took an important step toward sustainability by supporting the institutionalization of routine cervical cancer screening at Ekiosa Primary Health Centre in Edo State.

This effort aimed to ensure that women would continue to have access to screening services beyond the pilot outreach activities.

What institutionalization means

Institutionalization involves integrating a service into the routine operations of a health facility so that it becomes part of standard care rather than a temporary project activity.

For cervical cancer prevention, this means women can access screening services through regular primary healthcare services, improving continuity and long-term access.

Why routine screening is important

Cervical cancer develops gradually, and precancerous changes can often be detected and treated before cancer develops. Routine screening therefore plays a central role in prevention.

Establishing ongoing screening services helps:

• Increase regular access for women in the community
• Promote early detection
• Reduce reliance on periodic outreach campaigns
• Strengthen continuity of preventive care

Strengthening facility ownership

Supporting routine service delivery also strengthens ownership at the facility level. Healthcare workers become active providers of cervical cancer screening services, and the facility becomes a recognized point of care for women seeking preventive services.

This approach aligns with broader health-system strengthening efforts and supports integration within primary healthcare.

A sustainable path forward

The institutionalization process built on earlier investments in partnership development, healthcare worker training, and community outreach. Together, these activities created the conditions necessary for screening services to continue within the facility.

Sustainable health impact is achieved when services remain available after project activities end. By supporting routine cervical cancer screening at Ekiosa Primary Health Centre, CDMA has contributed to a model that prioritizes continuity, local ownership, and long-term access to preventive care.

As efforts continue to expand cervical cancer prevention services, strengthening routine primary healthcare delivery will remain essential to reducing preventable illness and improving women’s health outcomes across Edo State and beyond.