Australia and PNG working together to address cervical cancer
CERVICAL cancer is preventable and treatable when detected early. In Western Highlands, women and girls are gaining greater access to screening, treatment and vaccination through Papua New Guinea’s first comprehensive cervical cancer elimination programme.
The programme, delivered by the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority with support from the Australian Government and the Minderoo Foundation, combines cervical cancer screening and treatment for women aged 30 to 60 with human papillomavirus vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14.
Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality, Michelle O’Byrne, accompanied Australia’s High Commissioner Ewen McDonald to the Women’s Wellness Centre at Mt Hagen Hospital on Wednesday, July 29 to see the impact this programme is having firsthand.
The centre uses GeneXpert technology to screen women for cervical cancer, with results available in under an hour. While women wait, health workers provide information about cervical cancer prevention and other important health issues.
Women who test negative are advised to return for screening in five years. Those who test positive can receive treatment at the centre, while more complicated cases are referred to a gynaecologist for specialist care.
Two specially fitted outreach trucks, purchased with Australian Government funding, are also bringing screening and vaccination services to communities across the four districts of Western Highlands.
Ambassador O’Byrne acknowledged the Provincial Health Authority’s leadership and its commitment to making lifesaving health services more accessible to women and girls.
“Western Highlands is showing what can be achieved when government, communities, technical experts and development partners work together to prevent cervical cancer, detect it early and provide timely treatment,” Ambassador O’Byrne said.
“This is truly life-changing and life-saving work.”
The Australian Government, alongside partners including the Minderoo Foundation, the University of Sydney, and the Kirby Institute at the University of New South Wales, has supported cervical cancer prevention and care in Western Highlands for approximately 10 years. This reflects Australia's enduring commitment to improving health outcomes for women and girls.
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