National cervical cancer prevention guidelines launched

WINDHOEK, 17 SEP – The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) on Monday launched their National Cervical Cancer Prevention Guidelines which aim to help to reduce the number of cases of cervical cancer in Namibia.
Speaking at the launch here, MoHSS Deputy Minister, Juliet Kavetuna said the guidelines provide the minimum knowledge and information necessary for effective training of healthcare providers. Thereby, it will ensure that the country will soon have competent service providers, programme champions, as well as informed supportive services and programme managers in all health regions and districts.
“The guidelines contain nine instructive chapters and 10 detailed appendices, which address all areas related to the clinical practice of cervical cancer screening in Namibia,” she said.
Kavetuna noted that these guidelines also form an integral part of the ministry’s wider reproductive health programme and the national cancer control plan.
At the same occasion, Country Director of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Eric Dziuban said the guidelines are particularly valuable because cervical cancer is detectable, preventable and treatable.
“Despite this, data in Namibia shows that the number of cases of cervical cancer are increasing. We have seen a 50 per cent increase in the number of cervical cases in just the last seven years,” he added, noting that cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in women in Namibia. – NAMPA