NGO ramps up cervical cancer screening

Women’s Coalition against Cancer (Wocaca) executive director Maud Mwakasungula has challenged Karonga District civil society organisation network and journalists to sensitise men and women to the importance of cervical cancer screening and treatment.

She made the call on Tuesday when Wocaca sealed a partnership with journalists and activists to reach out to more girls and women with cervical cancer messaged to prevent curable deaths and complications.

The K37 million mass awareness campaign aims to boost screening and treatment amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We have partnered with the civil society network because they have experience working with the community and they will help us to reach out to as many women as possible,” she said.

Karonga CSO-Network chairperson Jabbes Nyirenda said the battle against cervical cancer should begin with men at household level.

“We are delighted to have you with the cervical cancer awareness project. Be assured of our support throughout your stay in the district,” he explained.

In an interview, Karonga District director of health and social services David Sibale said the District Health Office will collaborate with Wocaca to increase the number of men and women screened for cervical cancer.

He said: “With limited resources, in 2020 the district screened about 14 668 women for cervical cancer. With the new campaign, we will bridge the gap because they have the capacity to raise awareness in rural areas.”

The 10-month campaign is funded by Management Health for Sciences in communities surrounding five of the district’s 21 health facilities.