Zimbabwe Health Interventions supports the Ministry of Health and Childcare by providing technical assistance in cervical cancer screening and treatment services. ZHI is currently supporting 9 districts and provides client-centred care to all women, regardless of their background, including women living with HIV. Innovative ways to increase demand for cervical cancer screening and treatment services include awareness talks during health calendar events, health education sessions at service delivery entry points, and scheduled television and radio shows. Since 2021, over 80,000 women were screened, and those with precancerous lesions received same-day treatment using thermocoagulation and cryotherapy. Loop Electro-surgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) services are also provided on scheduled times in all 9 districts, with histology services paid for using funding from USAID, to ensure that women eligible for LEEP have free access to the service. ZHI is committed to the continuity and sustainability of the cervical cancer screening program by supporting VIAC and HPV DNA training and mentorship of health workers, while developing useful tools to improve the quality of cervical cancer screening services across the supported districts. Improved linkages to other health packages through the one-stop-shop modality and a timeous referral system are initiatives that add value to client satisfaction. Through teamwork with the Ministry of Health and other partners, ZHI has yielded positive results in reducing the incidence, morbidity, and mortality rates of cervical cancer.
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