Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-shortening genetic disorder traditionally mischaracterised as affecting only populations of European descent. This framing has contributed to under-recognition of CF in African populations, despite emerging evidence of both common and region-specific cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator mutations across the continent. Diagnostic barriers, structural inequities and lack of surveillance further exacerbate disparities in care and visibility.

This scoping review aims to characterise CF in African populations by synthesising evidence on clinical presentation, diagnostic practices, genotypic diversity, prevalence and structural barriers to care. We will include case reports, cohort studies, registry analyses and other primary data sources involving individuals of African descent with suspected or confirmed CF. Key outcomes include clinical phenotype, age at diagnosis, mutation profile, diagnostic testing access and mortality. Data sources include Ovid Medline, Embase, Ebsco Global Health, CAB Abstracts and Web of Science Core Collection. Multiple-reviewer screening and extraction will be conducted. We will use narrative synthesis, thematic analysis and meta-analysis for prevalence where feasible.

No ethical approval is required as the review uses published data. Results will be shared with clinicians, researchers and CF networks in Africa and globally to inform diagnostic strategies and policy.

Cervical cancer (CaCx) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in South Africa, often presenting at advanced stages and requiring chemoradiotherapy. In South Africa, the burden is disproportionately high among women living with HIV, with limited access to radiotherapy further compounding treatment challenges. Despite this documented disparity, limited data exist on patients in a South African context. This protocol describes the research methodology to assess patterns of care, treatment delays, interruptions and survival outcomes in patients with advanced CaCx, addressing an urgent need for local data in low-income and middle-income countries to provide evidence-based improvements in care.

The Cervical Cancer Cohort at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH-CCC), initiated in 2023, is a mixed retrospective and prospective single-centre study investigating the characteristics, challenges and outcomes of patients with advanced CaCx. It includes women aged ≥18 years with a histopathological diagnosis of stage IB3–IVA CaCx treated at CMJAH Radiation Oncology. The retrospective component covers data from September 2018 to August 2023. Data collection is complete and the team is currently conducting quality control. The prospective component began in October 2023 and aims to enrol participants over 2 years, with follow-up for up to 3 years. The study is ongoing, and an extension for continued enrolment beyond September 2025 is being sought. Participants provide baseline data on demographics, socioeconomic status, cultural influences and healthcare access, with updates every 3 months. When necessary, the next of kin provides follow-up information. The study aims to inform strategies to improve outcomes and reduce the CaCx burden in South Africa.

Ethics approval for this study was obtained from the Human Research Ethics Committee (Medical) at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, with an ethical clearance certificate (MM221001 MED22-09-085). The results will be widely distributed through presentations at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed open-access journals, ensuring wide access to the results.