Women’s Health

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women (after breast cancer) in less developed countries. Approximately 270,000 women die from cervical cancer annually; more than 85% of these deaths occur in low and middle-income countries. The main cause of cervical cancer is high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) viral infection. Most HPV-related lesions resolve spontaneously, but there is a high risk for persistent lesions (cervical dysplasia) to progress to cervical neoplasia and then invasive cervical cancer in 5- 20 years if not diagnosed and/or untreated. The high death rate from cervical cancer globally (52%) could be reduced by effective screening and treatment programs. There is no accurate data on the prevalence of cervical cancer in Sudan. Additionally, there is a high demand for training in colposcopy and related surgical procedures for cervical dysplasia/neoplasia detection and early intervention before the progression to invasive cancer.

SAMA partnered with the newly formed Sudanese Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (SSCCP), the Sudan Medical Specialization Board (SMSB), and Soba University Hospital to develop the Cervical Neoplasia Project.

1.   Delivering High-quality equipment: durables and consumables donated by First Health of the Carolinas Hospital System to Soba University Hospital. 

2.   Conducting the first educational activity “Comprehensive Colposcopy and Cervical Neoplasia Course”. This was attended by 60 OBG/YN physicians who successfully completed the course and showed competency in medical knowledge and skills in simulation. 

3.  Founding of the Sudanese Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (SSCCP)” as a new professional body to facilitate cervical cancer screening and related patient care and the collaboration with other project partners. 

4. Founding the “Soba Colposcopy and Cervical Neoplasia Center” at Soba University Hospital for ongoing training and service. 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women with an incidence of 25/100,000 in Khartoum State (click here for reference). Early presentation with symptoms of breast cancer is more likely to result in remission (compared to late presentation) and lowers the cost of subsequent care. In October 2017, SAMA issued a $10,000 grant to Sadagaat to raise breast cancer awareness amongst women through an aptly named campaign “Because we love you” – “Ashan Binhibik “.

Awareness

• 272 volunteers trained in communication skills to raise awareness
• 87 awareness events were held in 14 States in collaboration with local grassroots organizations.
• 38,459 – total number of beneficiaries reached 18 centers for screening

Screening

• 537 women received screening
• 109 referred for further investigation