The partnership between the Department of Gynaecology at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the Department of Gynaecology at the Hassan II University in Casablanca, Morocco, was established with the goal of improving the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer in Morocco.
Problem: Cervical cancer is the second most frequent cancer-related cause of death among women in Morocco. Early marriages and polygamy raise the risks of contracting this form of cancer. The national health system has no effective system of screening, meaning that treatment often begins later than would be desirable.
Main activities: Within the scope of the partnership, seminars are held along with reciprocal visits between the two partner hospitals. This is to enable doctors and nursing staff to learn new examination methods and new ways of treating cervical cancer. Online conferences allow doctors from the partner hospital to discuss particularly complicated cases, and to deepen their knowledge on the basis of practical examples.
Short-term results: Women with cervical cancer will be better diagnosed and treated in future at the Moroccan partner hospital. German partners will enhance their intercultural skills in dealing with patients from an Arab\/Muslim cultural background.
Long-term results: The new screening and treatment methods are to be established in other hospitals and ultimately be incorporated in the country’s national health system.