October 2024– Johannesburg, South Africa, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical technology company, has launched a high-throughput molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) instrument for HPV screening with extended genotyping, designed to enhance the detection and diagnosis of HPV, the leading cause of cervical cancer. Furthermore, the BD HPV screening device allows for extended genotyping and has also been validated for self-collected vaginal samples. The launch event convened healthcare professionals, industry experts and stakeholders from across the healthcare sector to witness this pivotal moment for advancing women's health in Africa.
An estimated 21 million South African women are at risk of developing HPV-related cervical cancer.3 The prevalence of HPV infections in sub-Saharan Africa ranges between 22% and 24%, and many African countries are struggling to meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) target to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.1,5 This is compounded by late HPV diagnosis that severely limits treatment options and increases morbidity and mortality among women.
HPV affects approximately 75% of sexually active people early in their sexual lives and 73% of HIV-infected South African women (aged 18-25) are also infected with high-risk HPV types.1,2,4 With over 200 types of HPV, categorised into low- and high-risk groups, it is critical to have more precise tools to identify the high-risk strains that lead to cervical cancer.1
This context highlights the importance of the genotyping device, which BD Africa has introduced as part of its commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes for women.
Ian Wakefield, Country Manager for BD Africa, explained the launch's significance: "We are here to recognise BD’s journey and contribution toward women’s health with a specific focus on Africa. We are meeting a critical, yet preventable need. Cervical cancer is a preventable disease and today’s introduction of the genotyping device is a step forward in addressing this challenge. It’s not just about diagnosing HPV but offering a range of diagnostic solutions for women’s health. The extended genotyping allows clinicians to better stratify a woman's risk and tailor follow-up care—whether that’s a one-year follow-up or a five-year interval—providing more comfort and certainty for both patients and healthcare professionals."
The device’s ability to provide extended genotyping sets it apart from traditional screening methods. It allows for better risk stratification, empowering clinicians with more detailed information to make informed decisions about patient care, ultimately improving early detection rates and reducing the incidence of cervical cancer.
Prof Hennie Botha, a specialist in women's health, emphasised the clinical impact of this new technology: “We are here to launch a platform for molecular testing aimed at identifying HPV, the main cause of cervical cancer. One of the key advantages of this platform is that it provides additional molecular information that allows us to quantify each woman's exclusive risk more precisely.
Over the last few decades, we’ve realised that traditional screening methods like Pap smears are not sufficient, particularly in regions where screening is infrequent. The WHO has provided clear guidance to move towards HPV testing as a more accurate way of detecting pre-cancer lesions. Our hope is that HPV testing will become the primary screening method for cervical cancer in South Africa."
Prof Botha’s insights underscore the need for more accurate, reliable, and scalable methods for screening women for cervical cancer in South Africa.
Prof Greta Dreyer, Associate Professor and Head of the Gynaecologic Oncology Unit at Pretoria Academic Hospital indicated the need for better implementation of screening: “It is highly relevant that the messaging of HPV screening gets spread out. Cytology has actually never made any difference in cervical cancer in Africa. We haven’t been able to implement it and everything in cervical cancer, screening and prevention is about implementing...Its critically important that molecular screening takes over from cytology.”
Lara Noble from the University of Witwatersrand’s Diagnostic Innovation Hub (WITS DIH) spoke to the unique challenges faced in Africa: "In Africa, we have a very high prevalence of both HPV and HIV, which disproportionately affects women. Many women do not have access to proper screening and the traditional Pap smear method requires trained professionals, which are scarce in many regions. By using HPV testing as a triage tool, we can identify high-risk individuals earlier and provide them with the necessary follow-up care. This instrument can change lives, especially for women who may not even realise they are at risk. Through public health efforts and self-swab testing, this technology has the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality related to cervical cancer."
After the formal presentations, attendees were invited to visit the WITS DIH, where the genotyping device was showcased in action. Guests were also given the opportunity to sign a pledge against HPV and cervical cancer and engage in networking sessions to foster further partnerships and collaborations in the fight against cervical cancer.
The launch of this device marks a critical milestone in BD’s efforts to support healthcare innovation in Africa, with a strong focus on women’s health. Through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology, BD is working towards a future where cervical cancer is a preventable disease and women across the continent have access to the healthcare they need.
