Montenegro ranks among the countries with the highest cervical cancer mortality rates in Europe, having the highest age-standardized mortality rate of 10.5 per 100,000 women. The Supreme Audit Institutions of Montenegro and North Macedonia are conducting parallel audits of the effectiveness of cervical cancer screening programs to assess whether national programs are properly implemented and progressing. Issues include low HPV vaccination coverage, low participation of women in preventive screenings, and inconsistency in program continuity. North Macedonia faces similar challenges with low coverage, lack of staff and equipment. The audits aim to improve the situation and reduce mortality by enhancing program implementation and raising awareness about the importance of regular gynecological exams and vaccination.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources emphasize the public health failure in Montenegro regarding cervical cancer prevention, highlighting the low vaccination rates and inadequate screening programs as a result of systemic neglect. They stress the need for increased government investment in healthcare infrastructure and public awareness campaigns to ensure equitable access to preventive services.
Center: Center-leaning sources report on the ongoing audits by the Supreme Audit Institutions as a positive step towards addressing the high cervical cancer mortality rates. They focus on the factual data about Montenegro’s ranking in Europe and the challenges faced, such as low screening participation and vaccination coverage, presenting the audits as a tool for improving healthcare outcomes.
Right: Right-leaning sources may focus on individual responsibility and the importance of awareness and vaccination, while also pointing to bureaucratic inefficiencies in the healthcare system. They might emphasize the need for reforms and accountability in public health programs, possibly criticizing previous government management but supporting the audit process as a means to improve effectiveness.
