Big Interview: Lutengano Kadammanja

Mwaiwathu Private Hospital has planned activities to mark the Disease Awareness Day. One major activity lined up is the campaign for the human papiloma virus (HPV) vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, aimed at reduing the burden of the diease. I talk to Lutengano Kadammanja of Mwaiwathu about the vaccine.

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Tell me about yourself.

I am Lutengano Kadammanja and my maiden name is Musopole. I am 53 years old, married with one daughter Silveria. I am a Presbyterian Christian. I am a nurse and midwife by profession, but I like the nursing department. I am currently working at Mwaiwathu Private Hospital as a Unit Manager in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

What is your education background?

I did my secondary education at Bwaila Secondary School in Lilongwe; thereafter I went to Kamuzu College of Nursing (KCN) where I obtained a diploma in nursing and a university certificate in midwifery. After eight years of service, I enrolled at Shareworld Institute of Management where I did a diploma in marketing management, advanced diploma in business administration and a bachelors degree in business administration.

What was your upbringing like?

I was born in a family of eight children; four boys and four girls and am the last born. I was brought up in a Christian family. My late father was Reverend Y.R. Musopole who worked with the Bible Society doing Bible translation. He was a very strict disciplinarian who allowed no nonsense. I grew up at Livingstonia Mission in Rumphi.

Tell me about human papiloma virus vaccine.

The human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine ‘cevarix’ protects women against persistent infections of the human papilloma virus. The HPV infection is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer. HPV can infect cells on the surface of the skin and those lining the genitals, anus, mouth and the throat. HPV can be spread from one person to another during skin to skin contact. One way HPV is spread is through sex, including vaginal, anal and even oral sex.

How does the vaccine work in preventing cervix cancer?

The human papilloma virus vaccine helps to prevent certain types of HPV and cancers linked to these types. Persistence of HPV infection leads to development of cancer. Therefore, elimination of HPVs reduces the risk of developing cancer of the cervix.

How long has it been in existence?

The HPV vaccine has been in existence since 2009 when it was first tried on human beings.

In terms on accessibility, what are the chances for Malawi and Malawian women?

This vaccine can be accessed at Mwaiwathu Private Hospital, Blantyre Adventist Hospital (BAH, MASM Clinic in Lilongwe and Citipharmacy in Limbe. The suppliers are Glaxosmithkline (GSK) who have a representative in Malawi.

How much does it cost?

The vaccine costs K31 550, but it is covered by Masm, 50 percent. Therefore, clients who are on Masm will pay 50 percent less, which is K15 775.

How many women have been vaccinated so far?

It was not easy to get the exact number of vaccinated women because the outlets are more than one.

What activities have you planned for the Disease Awareness Day?

Several activities have been planned for this year’s disease awareness. Our main objective is to bring awareness to all stakeholders about the magnitude of the burden of cervical cancer in Malawi.

The specific objectives are as follows:-

1. To sensitise people on:

—What cervical cancer is

—The risk factors of cervical cancer

—Symptoms of cervical cancer

—Prevention of cervical cancer

—HPV vaccine is in primary prevention of cervical cancer.

2. To increase social responsibility and political will from government to provide facilities for the management of cervical cancer.

Therefore, we are teaching people about cervical cancer through televisions, radios, newspaper, talks in churches and schools. The activities will reach the climax on 22nd November 2014.

We will start with a march led by the police band from Old Town Hall in Blantyre to Mwaiwathu Hospital.

Upon arrival at Mwaiwathu, we have a lot of activities lined up such as entertainment from dancing troupes, drama outfits and poets. We will also have testimonies from cancer survivors; talks from gynaecologists to be followed by question time. People will be granted an opportunity to ask questions from the specialists.