The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), through its CDC supported PROUDZ project, has handed over a fully equipped cervical cancer screening room at Mulambwa Clinic to the Western Provincial Health Office, strengthening the Ministry of Health’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme.

Speaking during the handover, CIDRZ Chief Executive Officer Dr Izukanji Sikazwe stated that the facility, equipped with appropriate screening tools, including cameras and thermal ablation devices for treating precancerous lesions, as well as air conditioning and essential furniture, will provide the privacy required and help increase the uptake of cervical cancer screening among women.

Dr Sikazwe highlighted that since 2012, CIDRZ has been actively supporting cervical cancer services through direct service delivery while highlighting the significant impact of the new-fully equipped cervical cancer screening room.

“This facility will serve as a dedicated space for cervical cancer screening, improving the services provided and ensuring that women in Mongu and the surrounding areas can access timely and life-saving screenings,” she said.

Dr Sikazwe encouraged all women to prioritise getting screened for cervical cancer, emphasising that early detection and treatment are vital in the quest to eliminate the disease.

She said this in a speech delivered on her behalf by Jacqueline Mutale, CIDRZ Health Systems Strengthening Nurse for Cervical Cancer.

And Mongu District Health Office Clinical Care Officer, Mr Kekelwa Imasiku commended CIDRZ for its support and highlighted its impact on the community.

“We are grateful to CIDRZ and its partners for this cervical cancer screening room and the accompanying equipment. We look forward to using this room to improve the women’s overall well-being in Mulambwa and surrounding areas,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mulambwa Clinic Facility-In-Charge Likando Mwangala said that the new facility will help address the space challenges her facility usually faces when providing cervical cancer screening services.

“We used to face challenges such as limited space and compromised privacy in our previous setup. The new screening room will significantly increase the number of women getting screened,” she said.