The hospital partnership between Gemeinschaft Sant'Egidio e.V. and the Peace and Development Trust is aimed at improving the facilities available for diagnosing and treating cervical cancer at an HIV centre in Blantyre.
Background:
The official guidelines in Malawi recommend cervical screenings for women from the age of 21. However, less than half of women in Malawi currently have access to such screenings. Women with a coinfection of HIV and HPV are at greater risk of developing cervical cancer, which is why early screenings are essential. The health authorities asked the HIV centre to improve its screening measures.
Activities:
- Providing an ultrasound imaging device to improve cervical cancer diagnoses
- Providing advanced training on cervical cancer for medical staff and expert clients
- Increasing the number of women screened at the HIV centre and at the partner centre in Kapeni
- Carrying out two cervical cancer screening campaigns in rural areas of Blantyre District
Impact:
As a result of the advanced training and the improved diagnostic facilities thanks to the addition of the ultrasound imaging device, the medical services for HIV-positive female patients in Blantyre and some rural areas are being expanded. There has been a reduction in the morbidity and mortality rates connected with cervical cancer in HIV patients. Other HIV centres are also benefiting by taking part in the advanced training being offered.