Overview

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with an estimated 570,000 new cases and 311,000 deaths annually. This type of cancer is highly preventable, but poor access to preventive, screening, and treatment services contributes to 90% of deaths. Women living with HIV are four times as likely to develop cervical cancer. Pathfinder works to develop the capacity of health facilities to screen and treat cervical cancer, targeting women living with HIV.

Project Activities

• Scaled up cervical cancer prevention services to HIV-positive women on antiretroviral medication across five regions: Amhara; Oromia; Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples; Sidama; and Addis Ababa.
• Built the capacity of health care providers and managers in cervical cancer prevention and treatment.
• Provided technical support and mentoring to health care providers, ensuring service quality.
• Built the capacity of technicians and engineers in maintaining cryotherapy and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure machines, which are used to remove abnormal cells.
• Increased demand for services and raise awareness about cervical cancer through community sensitization and mobilization.
• Trained peer educators to disseminate health information and lead support groups.
• Provided facilities with equipment and supplies for service delivery.