EGPAF in Lesotho Integrates Cervical Cancer Screening in HIV Programs

HIV damages a woman’s immune system and puts them at higher risk for human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. The immune system is important in destroying cancer cells and slowing their growth and spread. In women with HIV, there Is higher chances of a cervical pre-cancer lesion  developing into an invasive cancer  than it normally would. (American Cancer Society)

There is an established link for cervical cancer and progression among women living with HIV.

This was said by EGPAF-Lesotho Country Director, Ms. Ts’epang Mohlomi, in her presentation, “Reaching Out to the Unreachable: the Link Between HIV/AIDS and Cervical Cancer” presented during the 12^th Stop Cervical, Breast and Prostate Cancer in Africa Conference (SCCA) held in Maseru last month.

The conference was attended by Lesotho heads of state and government, cabinet ministers and first ladies from African countries, Members of Parliament, representatives from donors, UN agencies as well as local and international organizations. Others included senior government officials, health professionals from Lesotho and abroad, the public as well as cancer victims and survivors.

Ms. Mohlomi said the incidence of pre-cancers among HIV-positive women is 11.24% compared to 3.99% in HIV-negative women, adding that currently Lesotho has a cervical cancer incidence rate of 38.4 per 100,000 women.

Given this link, EGPAF-Lesotho has fully integrated cervical cancer screening in HIV programs that they support  in the country,  such as TB/HIV clinics at MOH and Christian Health Association of Lesotho (CHAL) sites, the  adolescent program, factory workplace program, boarder clinics, programs for key populations and in the integrated outreach services.

During the conference the African First ladies present at the conference visited Senkatana Cervical Cancer Screening Center of Excellence, where they witnessed the work supported by EGPAF using the latest, state of the art equipment.

Since the inception of the program at least 350 healthcare workers were trained to screen for breast and cervical cancers. HIV testing, treatment, care, and support is fully integrated into services provided at Senkatana Center. Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), pap smears, colposcopy, and biopsy are offered to women to diagnose pre-cancers or invasive cancer. Women with pre-cancer of the cervix are treated with cryotherapy or Loop electrosurgical procedures. The center has also partnered with other local organizations to mobilize the community and create demand for community-based screening through outreaches

In October 2018, EGPAF, with support from PEPFAR, will scale up cancer screening services in all districts in Lesotho.