Women Care – Integrated HIV and HPV Screening and Prevention Programme

The objective of the “Women Care – Integrated HIV and HPV Screening and Prevention Programme” is to expand and strengthen healthcare services in the southern region of Malawi, with the aim of significantly reducing mortality caused by cervical cancer and improving access to HIV-related health services in the same area.

To achieve a large-scale impact on reducing cervical cancer mortality and morbidity, the following activities are planned:

• School-based health education and HPV vaccination campaign: Regular health education sessions will be conducted in schools to raise awareness among students about HPV prevention, the importance of HPV vaccination, and HIV-related issues. These sessions will provide information on safe practices, early diagnosis and available services. Collaboration with school authorities and teachers will ensure the effectiveness of these activities.

• Community outreach: Community-level awareness programmes will be carried out to educate the population on HPV and HIV prevention. These initiatives will particularly target community gathering places to disseminate information. Various communication channels, such as community meetings and informational materials, will be used to raise awareness.

• Procurement of medical equipment and supplies: Medical equipment, screening tools and necessary supplies will be purchased to ensure efficient and accurate cervical cancer screening.

• Improvement of healthcare infrastructure: Upgrading health facilities to ensure adequate spaces for patients accessing health services.

• Training of healthcare personnel: Comprehensive training sessions will be provided to healthcare staff on innovative cervical cancer screening methods and on support for antiretroviral therapy (ART).

• Support groups: Three support groups—one in each district—will be supported for people diagnosed with HPV- and HIV-related conditions.

• Strengthening coordination among stakeholders involved in HIV and HPV screening and prevention efforts.