Tanzania: EGPAF Donates Equipment to Treat Cervical Cancer

In Tanzania, cervical cancer is not only the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, but it is also the most common cancer nationwide.  The relationship between HIV and cancer is complex, but studies show that HIV-positive women are often at a higher risk of developing the most invasive types of cervical cancer.

Since 2011, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) has increased access to cervical cancer treatment and screenings throughout Tanzania. This Fall, EGPAF donated four cyrosurgery machines to hospitals throughout the Arusha region of Tanzania. Arusha has the highest prevalence of cervical cancer in the country. Cryo-therapy uses extremely cold temperatures to freeze and kill-off abnormal, cancerous cells.

Dr. Frida Mokiti, who treats cervical cancer patients in Arusha, said the early treatment and diagnosis is essential to improving survival rates amongst women with cervical cancer.

“This region has 14 hospitals and many more health units, which all need these machines in an effort to reduce the time and money for women who need cancer screenings,” Mokiti said. “We will now be able to diagnose and treat early-stage cervical cancer.”

To learn more about EGPAF’s work reducing cervical cancer in the Arusha region of Tanzania, click here.