Public Health Initiative Liberia Reaches More Women Through its Cervical and Breast Cancer Outreach
In Liberia, like many parts of the world, access to healthcare services remains a critical challenge, particularly concerning women’s health. Cervical and breast cancers are among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths for women in Liberia, exacerbated by limited awareness, inadequate screening facilities, and socio-economic factors. Recognizing these pressing issues, Public Health Initiative Liberia with Funding from Orange Foundation is undertaking targeted outreaches to reach 5000 Liberia women with services on Breast and Cervical cancers across 4 counties ( Bassa, Montserrado, Margibi and Nimba ) to provide screening services for Breast and Cervical Cancers as well as treatment of Pre- Cancerous lesions from January to December 2024.
Subsequently, over the period from January 2024 to June 2024, Public Health Initiative Liberia under took series of Cervical and Breast Cancers screening outreaches providing education , screening for early detection and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions to increase access to cervical cancer screening using Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) and treatment of pre-cancerous lesion using C3 Cold Coagulation mobile device for thermal ablation and using Clinical Breast examination for Breast Cancer screening and prevention across Montserrado , Nimba , Bassa and Margibi and its environs in underserved communities and population
The outreach to date has screened 2,292 women between the ages of 21- 65 yrs. old, of which 19 were referred for further investigations. Additionally, 704 women were provided voluntary counselling on HIV of which 495 were tested with one turning out positive for HIV. While two existing HIV positive women were screened and tested negative respectively for both cervical and Breast Cancers.
Understanding the Challenge
Cervical cancer, primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and breast cancer, which can affect women of all ages, pose significant health risks if not detect and treated early. In Liberia, where healthcare infrastructure is still recovering from years of conflict and resource limitations, many women face barriers to accessing timely screening and treatment. This reality underscores the urgency of proactive public health interventions tailored to local needs.
- Awareness and Education Campaigns
The initiative prioritizes community education on the importance of regular screenings and early detection. Through workshops, informational sessions, and outreach events held in collaboration with local leaders and healthcare providers, women are empowered with knowledge about risk factors, symptoms, and available services
- Mobile Clinics and Screening Services
Recognizing the need to bring healthcare closer to communities, the PHIL operates mobile clinics equipped with screening tools for cervical cancer (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid and mobile Colposcope) along with C3 Cold Coagulation device for treatment of pre-cancerous Cervical Cancer lesions while for breast cancer clinical breast exams are undertaken with women educated on how to conduct monthly self-breast examination. These clinics travel to remote areas, reaching underserved populations who may otherwise lack access to healthcare facilities.
Making a Difference: Real Stories
The impact of the initiative is tangible in the lives of women across Liberia. Through early detection facilitated by mobile clinics and heightened awareness campaigns, more women are accessing life-saving screenings and being refereed for life saving treatments. Survivors share their stories of overcoming the odds, empowered by the knowledge and support provided by the initiative. Meet Kpana one of many women who have benefitted the from the Breast and Cervical cancer outreach, a young lady from one of the urban slum communities in Montserrado with limited access to screening services for Cervical cancer, she came to the outreach with complain of bleeding and pain during intercourse. After the screening, she was referred for further investigation during which time she was diagnosed of early stage cervical cancer, Kpana received the right treatment and now serve as an advocate sharing her story and encouraging other women to take advantage of PHIL’s outreach and get screen, saying “Cancer can be treated, but first get to know about sooner “this was what saved me. If PHIL had not come to do this service, I don’t know how I was going to know that I have cancer of the womb, thank you PHIL, thank You Orange Liberia”.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While progress is evident, challenges persist, including the need for sustained funding, expanding outreach efforts to more remote communities, and addressing cultural barriers to healthcare-seeking behavior. PHIL remains committed to overcoming these challenges through continued advocacy, innovation, and community engagement.
How You Can Help
Supporting initiatives like the work of PHIL is crucial in the fight against cervical and breast cancers. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness in your community, every effort counts in saving lives and ensuring women have access to the care they deserve.
Conclusion
In Liberia, the battle against cervical and breast cancers is not just a healthcare challenge but a call to action for communities, governments, and global partners to unite in promoting women’s health. PHIL exemplifies how targeted outreach and education can make a significant difference, offering hope and a path towards a healthier future for all Liberian women.
Together, we can turn the tide against cervical and breast cancers, ensuring every woman in Liberia and beyond has the opportunity for a healthy and fulfilling life.
Public Health Initiative Liberia is a community focused public health organization working to promote and enhance the quality of health care delivery through leadership, partnership, innovation, capacity building and advocacy
Join us in this vital mission. Together, we can make a difference in empowering communities to save lives
