The newly established hospital partnership between the German association Healthy Africa and Andara Hospital in north-east Namibia seeks to improve the check-ups for and early detection and prevention of cervical cancer in the Kavango region of Namibia. \r
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Background: \r
Southern Africa has the highest percentage of cervical cancer of anywhere in the world, with almost 65 cases per 100,000 women. Less than 25 per cent of women in Namibia are currently screened for cervical cancer, even though the disease is responsible for almost 20 per cent of all cancer-related deaths among women in the country.\r
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Activities:\r
-\tLocal procurement of disposable or sterilisable equipment for diagnostic cervical endoscopy, personal protective equipment such as disposable gloves, and laboratory equipment \r
-\tCreation of a maintenance schedule for the devices and equipment\r
-\tDevelopment and delivery of theoretical and practical clinical training \r
-\tDevelopment and delivery of training on analysing the collected samples and on lab-based methods for cervical cancer diagnostics\r
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Impact: \r
1,500 more women attend check-ups for cervical cancer each year at Andara Hospital and a mobile clinic. Thirteen health professionals have also expanded their expertise in the detection, prevention and treatment of cervical cancer.