Bujumbura, Burundi—On August 19, 2016, Pathfinder was pleased to inaugurate the first cervical cancer prevention program in Burundi. Burundi has the eighth highest rate of cervical cancer in the world.
Pathfinder presented equipment for single visit testing and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix, including two cryotherapy devices, to the Ministry of Public Health and the Fight against AIDS of Burundi. The equipment will be sent to two hospitals of Gashoho and Kayanza respectively in Muyinga and Kayanza provinces.
Now, women in these provinces will be able to receive both diagnosis and treatment of precancerous legions during a single visit, by the same provider. For women who live in rural areas far from specialized cancer clinics, the ability to access these services in one visit is invaluable and potentially life-saving. Dr. Irenée NDABAGIYE, FP/RH Specialist, Pathfinder Burundi presented the cervical cancer prevention equipment and explained how it will be incorporated into the existing health system as a cost-effective prevention measure.
Pathfinder staff were joined by senior local officials including Dr. Juma Ndereye, Director of Programme National pour la Santé Réproductive (National Program for Reproductive Health) and Dr. Innocent Nkurunziza, Director of the National Program of chronic disease of the Ministry of Public Health and the Fight against AIDS. Dr Juma Ndereye spoke enthusiastically about how this new equipment and new efforts to prevent cervical cancer will benefit the women of Burundi.
