Background
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide. In Ethiopia, it’s the most frequent form of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Despite this, there is a lack of awareness about the magnitude of the problem and a common misconception that all cancer is incurable.

About the project
Cervical cancer is both preventable and curable if identified in its early stages. This project was created to improve the practice of cervical cancer screening tests in Mekelle, in the Tigray region in Northern Ethiopia. The project team developed a training manual on health education and community mobilization, related to cervical cancer. They then trained five additional instructors to deliver the training to health workers, nurses and midwives working in the local area.

Results
By the end of 2016, 350 health workers had completed the training and acquired the skills to counsel and educate women on the prevention, cause and symptoms of cervical cancer. In collaboration with Mekelle University, 33 nurses and midwives also received clinical training on how to perform cervical cancer screenings.

The project team are now planning to expand their training in order to reach more health workers and continue to improve the practice of cervical screening tests in this region.

Year: 2016