CIDRZ’s CDC-sponsored PROUDZ project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health through the Western Provincial Health Office (WPHO), has successfully conducted a 10-day Competency-Based Cervical Cancer Screening Training Program for health workers in six districts of Western province.

Health workers from Mongu, Nkeyema, Sikongo, Kaoma, Limulunga and Luampa districts were trained in Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) and Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA).

CIDRZ Health Systems Strengthening Nurse for Cervical Cancer Jacqueline Mutale explained that the training and practical sessions aimed to strengthen capacities among nurses and doctors from health facilities across the Western Province.

“CIDRZ Cervical Cancer Elimination Program focuses on providing technical assistance through comprehensive training, ongoing mentorship, and targeted quality improvement activities. We aim to build local capacity, ensuring that health workers are well-equipped to provide effective and quality screening and treatment for cervical cancer,” she said.

Participants in the training reported high levels of engagement and interaction with expert trainers, noting the programme’s effective balance of practical and theoretical components.

A Medical Officer from Kaoma District Hospital, Dr Idi Mwinyi, said the training was very impactful in enhancing cervical cancer screening and treatment services.

“This training will significantly expand our capacity to provide Cervical Cancer Screening services in Kaoma District. We can only provide care within the limits of our expertise, but now we feel empowered to handle cases of cervical cancer and deliver timely care,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Samutumwa Njekwa, Medical Superintendent and Gynaecologist at Lewanika General Hospital emphasised that cervical cancer is the most common cancer in Zambia and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, despite being highly preventable.

“Cervical cancer is both preventable and treatable if diagnosed early, hence the need to actively sensitise communities and encourage women to prioritise cancer screenings. If detected early, pre-cancerous lesions can often be treated locally, even in our local health facilities,” he stated.

Currently, Western Province has 19 LEEP centres and 74 VIA centres out of 324 health facilities, where CIDRZ provides technical assistance.