Treating women for cervical cancer in Hue, Vietnam

Thanks to a fantastic response to our Global Giving campaign, HERHealthEQ was able to move forward and secure three thermocoagulation devices from Wisap at the end of July, which were carried by Cure Cervical Cancer to Hue Vietnam on August 3^rd.

With these devices, the Cure Cervical Cancer team led a training for the Vietnamese Association of Midwives (VAM), for 20 healthcare professionals from 7 different facilities, including the referral hospital for Hue province and the 3 new CCC "See & Treat" clinic sites. Not only does this assist in developing the skillset of the healthcare professionals – namely midwives, but also brings awareness to cervical cancer and encourages treatment in the local communities.

CureCervicalCancer identifies midwives as trusted “care providers [and] community educators and advocates”. HERHealthEQ agrees, and sees this opportunity for training and increased access to screening as a way to cull the cervical cancer rate in Vietnam. Currently, it is estimated that only 10% of the population has been screened. During the first week following the training, 877 women were screened at intensive clinics. These women included Hue locals, teachers and policewomen. Some women who required treatment were immediately treated using the thermal ablation devices. Others with more advanced stages of cancer development were referred to Hue Central Hospital for colposcopy and biopsy.

HERHealthEQ is immensely grateful to everyone who contributed during our June fundraiser to make this project launch possible. Although we have not yet reached our target of funds required to sustain the project over the long term, we were able to support the initial phase to introduce the cervical cancer treatment. Our campaign remains open, and we will continue to raise funds until our target is met, to ensure the most women can benefit from this equipment and the program can be sustained.

Links:

• Our website