The Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation has granted Baylor College of Medicine Global Health $2.25 million for a cervical cancer initiative in Malawi. The agreement was signed by Catharine Grimes, president of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, and Michael B. Mizwa, director of Texas Children’s Global Health Network and board chair of Baylor Foundation Malawi, at the Area 25 Community Hospital near Lilongwe.
Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Malawi, with a mortality rate significantly higher than other East African countries. The World Health Organization has set milestones to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2030.
Dr. Michael Belfort from Baylor College stated, “The Comprehensive Cervical Cancer Pilot Initiative will set the stage for a scalable initiative that ultimately will have impact at the national or regional level.” He expressed gratitude for the support from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation.
The partnership between Baylor College of Medicine Global Health, Texas Children’s Global Health Network, Baylor Foundation Malawi, and the Government of Malawi aims to leverage resources and expertise to enhance healthcare capacity in Malawi. The initiative will also support Texas Children’s Global HOPE program in Malawi.
Catharine Grimes noted, “The Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation is proud to support this public-private partnership with Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital.” She emphasized the importance of building on existing infrastructure to address cervical cancer in Malawi.
The project will focus on prevention, screening, and treatment services at Area 25 Community Hospital and surrounding centers. It serves a population of 500,000 and handles thousands of antenatal cases annually.
Dr. Chiweza Chikondi expressed enthusiasm about expanding cervical cancer preventive services: “We are excited to partner with the BMS Foundation... We are confident that the reach of this work will excel beyond the borders of Area 25.”
Baylor Foundation Malawi will implement this initiative alongside its partners. Since 2005, it has managed significant funding to support service delivery and healthcare training in Malawi.
Michael B. Mizwa highlighted sustainable partnerships: “This grant speaks to the importance... Our expected impact will be a clear pathway to a cervical cancer-free Malawi.”
