More than 1536 women from North Lima and East attended the free health campaigns organized by Socios En Salud (SES) and the Cancer Prevention and Control strategy of DIRIS Lima Norte and East for the prevention of cervical cancer. In addition, 917 of them accessed molecular testing to rule out Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
In Peru, cancerof the cervix is the second most common cancer in women and the leading cause of death in women of reproductive age. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in a recent report, it pointed out that out of 500 000 women who received a diagnosis of cervical cancer, 54.98% of them died due to lack of access to treatment and late arrest.
Caring for women’s health is guaranteeing the health of humanity
In light of this situation, the Community Health Program of Socios En Salud and the Cancer Prevention and Control strategy of DIRIS Lima Norte y Este, are launching a community strategy that seeks to strengthen early detection of cervical cancer and contribute to the reduction of morbidity and mortality in women aged 30 to 49 years in North and East Lima.
Active search strategies for cervical cancer diagnosis
To strengthen early detection of cervical cancer and facilitate access to subsequent care for women in North and East Lima, 3 active search strategies for women:
- Chatbot: This virtual platform allowed connecting 570 women at risk age for uterine cancer, to facilitate a preventive and free molecular testing service. Thus, 141 were eligible for molecular testing for HPV detection and of these 58 attended scheduled appointments for orientation and self-testing.
- Community Health Agents (ACS): Thanks to the active participation of the community, 1471 women were accompanied and connected to health services to access preventive screening. In addition, they received education and awareness talks.
- Social networks: Through this medium thousands of women were informed about the awareness and education campaigns on prevention, diagnosis and timely treatment of uterine cancer.
Noris Hernández, coordinator of the DETECCTATE Project of the Community Health Program of SES indicated that previously it was not easy to access molecular testing for HPV screening, and now it has been implemented free of charge, despite the fear of some women to perform the discard, the role of the ACS is crucial since they generate the necessary confidence for them to access the test through guidance and counseling. “That is why constant preventive check-ups are the best allies for the timely detection of cervical cancer, which will allow treatment to be initiated in time and thus save the lives of thousands of people.”
Equitable, life-saving and gender-neutral health
From Partners In Health we will continue to work to eliminate gaps in access to disease prevention, control and treatment services. We will continue to do everything possible to make our patients’ right to health a reality. #TeAmoTeCuidoTeCuro #SaludDeLaMujer
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