THE Public Health Ministry and the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) are hoping to collaborate with the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) in developing a national plan to reduce cervical cancer in Guyana. This proposal was birthed during a meeting with Public Health Minister Dr George Norton and President of FIGO, Professor Chittaranjan Narahari Purandare at the Public Health Ministry, Brickdam, on Thursday.
FIGO is an organisation that brings together professional societies of obstetricians and gynaecologists on a global basis. For over 60 years, FIGO has been collaborating with the world’s top health and donor bodies in developing countries to strengthen capacity through education and specialised training on various women’s health issues.
During the meeting, Professor Purandare assured the Public Health Minister that he would avail his organisation’s resources to enhance Guyana’s public healthcare system.
In expressing his gratitude to the Professor, Minister Norton said he looks forward to future collaboration with the FIGO to advance the health of Guyanese women, particularly in reducing maternal mortality and cervical cancer.
He also used the opportunity to seek assistance in improving existing protocols to screen women for cervical cancer and family-planning policies, particularly anti-conceptives such as IUDs and injectable contraceptives.
The Public Health Ministry 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.
The FIGO actively collaborates with global, national and regional organisations to promote the well-being of women and to raise the standards of practice in obstetrics and gynaecology such as oncology, perinatal health, and safe motherhood.