The Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority’s Cervical Cancer Screening Clinic has successfully concluded a five-day training in Mt Hagen, equipping clinicians with vital skills to combat cervical cancer.
Hosted at the Kimininga Hotel from April 20–24, the workshop, funded by the World Health Organization (WHO), brought together 7 women clinicians from various provincial health authorities including Hela, Southern Highlands, Milne Bay, and Port Moresby General Hospital.
Led by WHPHA’s Cervical Cancer Screening Project Coordinator, Ms. Josephine Gabuzzi, the training combined both theory and practical which gave the participants maximum exposure.
WHPHA CEO Dr. Jonah Kurubi, Cervical Cancer Program Manager Dr. Paulus Ripa, and Public Health Director Mr. Dannex Kupamu, welcomed the participants on the opening day, encouraging them to absorb knowledge and impart in their respective provinces.
Cervical cancer remains a major health challenge in PNG, with more than 1,000 women diagnosed and around 650 deaths annually. WHPHA is the first health authority in the country and the Pacific to establish a dedicated screening service, having already trained clinicians from several provinces.
The workshop also reinforced WHO’s targets: vaccinating 90% of girls aged 9–14 against HPV, screening 70% of women aged 30–59, and ensuring 90% of women diagnosed receive timely treatment.
WHO praised WHPHA for its well-organized, evidence-based rollout and active team members who are reaching the unreached, encouraging participants to carry the same commitment back to their provinces.
Ms. Gabuzzi remarked by emphasizing the importance of compassionate care, urging the participants to serve women on the same day they are screened, applying thermal ablation immediately if needed, or referring advanced cases to Obstetrics and Gynaecology. “We may not see these women again,” she reminded participants. “Oneday service can mean freedom from cancer.”
WHPHA thanked WHO for funding the program and announced the next training will take place from June 15–19, targeting obstetrics and gynaecology medical officers, senior medical officers, and consultants from Milne Bay, Southern Highlands, Hela, Port Moresby, New Ireland and Western Highlands.
