SSF Program Manager and Health Officer, Meron, explaining the initiative to women in the community.
Studio Samuel is dedicated to addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) #3: Good Health, and SDG #17: Partnerships for Goals. In Ethiopia, three fourths of women of reproductive age in emerging regions are facing problems in accessing health care.
January was Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, which shed light on the global issue which particularly impacts women in Ethiopia. According to a study by the National Institute of Health, “22 million Ethiopian women between the ages of 15 and 49 are affected by cervical cancer each year.” Furthermore, out of confirmed cases in Ethiopia, there is a 66% mortality rate. To put this into perspective, the mortality rate for confirmed deaths from cervical cancer in Ethiopia is 32% higher than that of the U.S.
Approximately 60% of women in developing countries that die from invasive cervical cancer have never had a screening, denying them the opportunity for treatment. According to the NIH, “it is necessary to increase awareness and knowledge about cervical cancer and improve attitudes toward cervical screening services to improve the uptake of the screening.” Furthermore, health professionals play a pivotal role in building trust and properly addressing information about cervical cancer.
Studio Samuel saw the dire need to address this problem, so we partnered with Wings of Healing, a UK-based charity whose mission is to provide health screening and treatment for gynaecological conditions in Ethiopia. Wings of Healing has successfully provided cervical screenings to over 10,000 women in various healthcare facilities. As a result, they have prevented at least 3,000 cases of cervical cancer.
SSF Social Worker, Genet, going door-to-door to organize health screenings.
Studio Samuel hosted a cervical screening awareness session at our training center in Addis Ababa, led by Wings of Healing. In a significant stride towards women’s health, a group of nine individuals, the inaugural cohort of a larger initiative, underwent screenings at our center last week. We are pleased to report that none of the women tested positive for cervical cancer.
However, of the nine that were screened, five tested positive for HPV, the causative agent of cervical cancer. Those five were treated at our health center by Wings of Healing and our licensed health officer. They will return for a follow-up screening in one year to ensure their continuing well-being.
Additionally, Studio Samuel students attended a separate session educating them on the importance of being screened themselves when they reach 35 years old. All women were eligible for free screenings following the educational session.
By addressing the critical issues of awareness, access, and education, Studio Samuel is contributing to improving women’s cervical health in Ethiopia. Furthermore, the awareness sessions organized by Studio Samuel not only educate women about cervical health, but also empower them to take charge of their well-being. By fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for their health, women are more likely to prioritize screenings and engage in proactive healthcare practices. Additionally, we hope that our efforts to educate our students about the importance of cervical screenings will create a ripple effect. By instilling healthcare knowledge in young women, we aim to create a generational shift in awareness and behavior, fostering a culture of preventative healthcare practices.
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