Prevention of cervical cancer through screening using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and treatment with cryotherapy. A demonstration project in six African countries

Overview

In conclusion, as a result of a demonstration project, visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) cryotherapy have been incorporated into the cervical cancer-prevention services in existing reproductive health services in six countries. VIA is an attractive alternative to cytology-based screening in low-resource settings. Similarly, cryotherapy has been selected as the treatment option for the eligible test-positive cases. The alternative simple and safe cervical cancer-prevention techniques simplify the process and render it feasible and acceptable to women and providers in low-resource settings.

Scaling-up programmes will facilitate extension of cervical cancer-prevention services to the target population in both urban and rural areas through development of referral linkages with high-level health facilities. Recommendations provided in this report can help facilitate phased and coordinated scaling-up of services in the six countries.