Public Health Ministry, FIGO collaboration to strengthen cervical cancer prevention programme
(July, 7, 2016- Georgetown) – The Minister of Public Health, Hon. Dr. George Norton on Thursday met with Professor Chittaranjan Narahari Purandare, President of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), at the Ministry of Public Health headquarter on Brickdam.
From left, Dr. Kavita Singh, Coordinator of Chronic Disease, Dr. Karen Boyle, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Carl Niamatali, Professor Chittaranjan Narahari Purandare, Dr. George Norton, Minister of Public Health, Sarah Daniels, Senior Medex and Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton, Director (ag) of Maternal Child Health Programme.
The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) is an organization that brings together professional societies of obstetricians and gynecologist on a global basis. For over 60 years, this organisation has been collaborating with world’s top health and donor bodies in developing countries to strengthen capacity through education and specialized training on various women’s health issues. The FIGO actively collaborates with global, national and regional organisations to promote the wellbeing of women and to raise the standards of practice in obstetrics and gynecology such as oncology, perinatal health, and safe motherhood.
Professor Purandare assured the Minister that he will avail his organizations’ resources to enhance Guyana’s public healthcare system.
Minister Norton expresses gratitude to Professor Purandare for his interest in wanting to collaborate with Guyana. He noted that he is looking forward to future collaborations with the FIGO to advance the health of our Guyanese women, particularly in reducing maternal mortality and cervical cancer. The Ministry of Public Health sought assistance in improving existing protocols to screen women for cervical cancer and family planning policies particularly anti-conceptives such as IUD’s and injectable contraceptives. The Ministry and the FIGO is also hoping to collaborate with the PAHO/ WHO in developing a National Plan to reduce cervical cancer in Guyana. .
Ministry of Public Health currently offers free Visual Inspection using Acetic Acid (VIA) screening for cervical cancer and cryogenic treatment for persons who are detected with cancerous legions. The Ministry also has a Human Papilloma Virus Virus (HPV) vaccination programme for all girls between the ages of 11-13 years old.