What does a cup of tea have to do with women’s health?
In Sri Lanka, cervical cancer claims the lives of approximately 700 women every year. It is the second-highest cancer incidence among females in our nation — a statistic that is even more heartbreaking because it is a disease that is almost entirely preventable.
This Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, we are reflecting on a journey of resilience and partnership.
In late 2024, amidst acute economic and medical resource constraints, the MJF Charitable Foundation stepped in to sustain Sri Lanka’s national screening programme for cervical cancer. By donating 17,095 HPV DNA test kits (an investment of LKR 75 million), we ensured that the momentum toward eliminating this disease did not falter.
According to recent statistics from Rotary Club of Colombo, 24,300 women were screened across the Western and North Western Provinces of which 1,900 tested HPV-positive and were immediately guided into life-saving care.
True impact requires more than just resources; it requires a community. Last year, we hosted a knowledge sharing event alongside the Family Health Bureau, the Ministry of Health and Rotary Club of Colombo. By bringing together corporate leaders, medical professionals, and academic stakeholders, we opened a vital dialogue on how the private sector can support national healthcare goals. It was a testament to what we can achieve when we move from simple donation to strategic, collective action.
Sri Lanka is already a global leader in HPV vaccination, exceeding 90% coverage. By focusing on the next pillar – early detection, the country is on track with its goal to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030.
Every cup of Dilmah tea contributes to initiatives like this. We remain deeply committed to our Founder’s vision to #MakeTheWorldABetterTea – one where health and hope are accessible to every woman in Sri Lanka.
