This trip is part of a continuing effort in Rwanda (especially Kigali) to teach local providers (nurses and physicians) to perform VIA (visual inspection with acetic acid), in order to screen women for cervical precancers which can be treated before they can become cervical cancer. At each visit we teach more providers and cover other locations besides Kigali (in Rwanda). We also teach colposcopy, thermal ablation (to treat cervical precancers), and LEEP.
Women of childbearing age
Decrease unnecessary deaths from cervical cancer. Prevent cervical precancer/cancer.
This was an ongoing project to teach local doctors and nurses to do VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid). This exam helps women who don’t have regular medical care. It is a screening tool to examine women’s cervices, and to diagnose pre-cancers which can be treated on the spot. If a probable cervical cancer is visualized, the woman can quickly be referred for LEEP, to prevent cancers from becoming worse and metastasizing.
