Cervical cancer outreach to Kunene
Scheduled from 25 to 29 September
The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) announced a new collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Services in the Outjo district in a bid to address the pressing issue of cervical cancer within that community.The joint effort aims to bring accessible cervical cancer screening services to all women in the district, promoting early detection and treatment.
The Outjo district medical team has organised a comprehensive cervical cancer screening campaign scheduled to run from 25 to 29 September 2023.
The campaign encompasses both Visual Inspection by Acetic Acid (VIA) and Pap smear tests (cytology) and seeks to bridge the accessibility gap by making screening services readily available to every woman in the district.
Acknowledging budgetary constraints faced by the Ministerial campaign, CAN extends its support to ensure that vital consumables necessary for the screenings are secured.
“CAN fully supports health ministry teams that take the initiative to proactively serve their communities and therefore wholeheartedly supports this request for support,” says CAN CEO Rolf Hansen. “This campaign aligns with CAN's National Cancer Outreach Programme and reflects our own ongoing commitment to fighting cancer and its devastating effects in Namibia.”
Global health concern
Cervical cancer is a global health concern, ranking as the fourth most common cancer among women and leading to significant fatalities annually. The main culprit behind this ailment is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a prevalent sexually transmitted infection. In most cases, HPV infections are naturally cleared by the immune system without any long-term consequences. However, persistent infections can lead to abnormal cell changes in the cervix, culminating in cervical cancer.
To pre-emptively counter this threat, the HPV vaccine is a recommended safeguard against the most prevalent types of HPV associated with cervical cancer. Encouraging vaccination for girls and boys between the ages of 9 to 12, CAN champions proactive protection to avert future HPV-related diseases.
The MoHSS in partnership with implementing bodies, is poised to introduce HPV vaccines as part of its strategic healthcare initiatives as of 2024.
CAN underscores the importance of educating the community about cervical cancer, HPV, and the HPV vaccine. Routine cervical screenings, such as Pap tests and VIA, are pivotal in detecting and addressing abnormal cell changes early, forestalling their progression to cancer. By endorsing campaigns like the cervical cancer screening initiative in the Outjo district, CAN strives to heighten awareness, amplify screening accessibility, and ultimately mitigate cervical cancer prevalence in Namibia.
For more details and information contact CAN at 061 237 740 or reach out via email at [email protected]