TWELVE years ago, Dr Jayeshnee Moodley launched a free pap smear drive in Zululand to promote early cervical cancer detection. Since then, it has grown into a vital campaign focused on education, access, and empowering women.

Determined to bridge the gap between healthcare access and education, Dr Moodley became northern KZN’s first female obstetrician and gynaecologist to
open a private practice.

“When I opened my doors in 2014, I wanted to create a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where women could speak openly and feel understood. Before this, many women in our region were only able to consult male gynaecologists. Despite needing care, they often avoided appointments out of fear, shame, or cultural discomfort,” she recalls.

“As a woman, a mother, a sister, and a daughter, I understand these barriers intimately. I know first-hand how easy it is for women to place everyone else’s needs ahead of their own.”

Identifying a need

Dr Moodley’s early career at the Albert Luthuli Hospital’s Gynea-Oncology Unit exposed her to the heartbreaking reality of women from northern KZN presenting with advanced cervical cancer.

“By the time they arrived at the hospital, many were too far along in their illness for curative treatment, leaving only palliative care options,” she says.

What made this all the more devastating was knowing that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. With early detection through regular pap smears, lives can be saved. Dr Jayeshnee Moodley

The pap smear is not just a screening test, it’s a life-saving tool that can detect cellular changes well before symptoms appear, giving women the opportunity to intervene early and protect their future.

“This spurred my passion to create real, lasting change. It was clear: we needed early screening, education, and most importantly, access.”

To achieve this, she launched the annual free pap smear drive.

“This year, we will be offering 350 free pap smears at six sites, all of which I will personally perform to ensure the process is comfortable, non-judgmental and respectful,” she says.

Thanks to Dr Moodley’s pap smear drive, many women have received early diagnosis and life-saving care.

“Over these 12 years, we have achieved a 30% pick-up rate of precancerous changes – a staggering reflection of the burden of disease in our community.

These are not just statistics, they are lives saved, cancer prevented, and futures preserved. Dr Jayeshnee Moodley

“This detection rate reinforces how critical these annual screenings are in northern KZN, where many women would otherwise go undiagnosed until it is too late.”

Dr Moodley’s role in the fight against cervical cancer Dr Moodley is privileged to maintain her academic affiliation and proudly serve both private and public
health sectors. She currently oversees the Pre-cancer Colposcopy Unit at Queen Nandi Regional Hospital, which serves as the referral centre for cervical screening follow-up in northern KZN.

“This unique position enables me to treat both medically insured and medically uninsured women, not only through screening, but through definitive prevention and management of cervical disease. No woman should be denied care based on her financial situation,” she insists.

“I encourage women to attend with their mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends. Healthcare should be a shared experience, and there is strength in support.”

Many women leave my rooms saying they are no longer afraid or ashamed— and that the pap smear was not painful, but empowering. Dr Jayeshnee Moodley

What every woman should know

• Dr Moodley advises women to begin pap smear screening at 21.
• Screening is for all sexually active women since HPV, the main cause of cervical cancer, is sexually transmitted.
• Women never sexually active don’t require screening.
• Routine screening continues until 60 if the last three tests were normal.
• Women with hysterectomies for pre-cancer or cancer need ongoing
  surveillance.
• HIV-positive women should have a pap smear at diagnosis and yearly
  after.

“Young girls should receive the HPV vaccine before their sexual debut, reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer by up to 80%. This is one of the most transformative public health tools of our time,” Dr Moodley says.

Cervical cancer affects 1 in 8 South African women

Her message to the women of northern KZN is clear:

When a woman’s health declines, her family and community suffer with her. It is time to change that. When women are empowered, communities are strengthened. Dr Jayeshnee Moodley

“We know that women often place the needs of their families before their own, but you cannot pour from an empty cup. Your health matters. Be your own health advocate. Stay informed, stay connected, and take back control of your health — because women’s health matters!”