Montenegro ranks among the countries with the highest cervical cancer mortality rates in Europe, with an age-standardized mortality rate of 10.5 deaths per 100,000 women, the highest in Europe. The high mortality rate is linked to low participation of women in preventive screenings, leading to late diagnosis and reduced chances of successful treatment. Supreme audit institutions of Montenegro and North Macedonia are conducting parallel audits of cervical cancer screening programs to identify organizational shortcomings in national programs. Montenegro has introduced HPV vaccination, but coverage remains low. These audits aim to improve the situation and reduce mortality from this disease.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the public health crisis represented by Montenegro’s high cervical cancer mortality rates, highlighting systemic failures in healthcare access and preventive care. They focus on the need for increased government investment in screening programs and vaccination campaigns, advocating for equitable healthcare and raising awareness about women’s health rights.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the facts about Montenegro’s high cervical cancer mortality and ongoing audits objectively, focusing on the data and the steps being taken by government institutions to address the issue. They highlight the importance of screening programs and vaccination while noting the challenges in implementation and coverage.
Right: Right-leaning media may emphasize personal responsibility and the importance of regular health check-ups, while also pointing to bureaucratic inefficiencies in the healthcare system. They might stress the need for better management and accountability in public health programs, and sometimes question the effectiveness of government interventions.
