Youths engaged in fight against cervical cancer

Women Coalition Against Cancer Malawi executive director Maud Mwakasungula has urged the youth in Karonga District to encourage women to go for cervical cancer screening amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

She made the call on Saturday at the end of a one-day training on cervical cancer awareness organised in conjunction with Karonga Debate Club.

Said Mwakasungula: “We want to create demand for cervical cancer services in health facilities in the wake of the pandemic.

“The youth are expected to monitor five health facilities, ensuring women are able to access the services.”

She appealed for collaboration from political and religious leaders, schools, the youth, traditional healers and the media to fight stigma and discrimination against women with cervical cancer.

Karonga Debate Club project officer Gwyneth Kaponda urged the youth to utilisethe skills to help women know about cervical cancer.

“According to health workers, cervical cancer can be cured at an early stage,” she said.

Oneof the participants, Chilufya Mwakyanjala said she will disseminate the information among women in her community.

“We have acquired the right information that will help many women to know their cervical cancer status,” she said.

Mwakyanjala also said they will disseminate messages on the dangers of smoking and early sex that might increase chances of contracting cervical cancer.

With funding from Management Sciences for Health, the organisation is implementing a 10-month cervical cancer awareness campaign amid Covid-19 in five health facilities in the district.

Ministry of Health spokesperson Adrian Chikumbe said they are encouraging women and girls to go to their nearest hospitals for check-up.