Members from the organisation Women in Action (WIA) which is based in South Africa visited Patmos School on 24th September, 2021.

​

The month of September was 'Cancer Awareness Month' and the team from WIA were visiting schools and colleges throughout the region with the aim of promoting cancer awareness with a particular focus on cervical cancer.

 

Cervical cancer, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and which is particularly devastating in those living with HIV co-infection, is a growing public health concern. Currently, every 2 minutes a life is lost to this disease. The fact that nearly 9 out of 10 of these deaths are women in low- and middle-income countries, describes the glaring global divide in access to life-saving information and services. 

 

The members of WIA are cancer volunteers trained by the Cancer Association of South Africa and they have been trained in patient care. They provide the necessary information to patients and families about the disease and treatment as well as offering emotional support to patients and their families. They also offer talks about the various types of cancer bringing awareness on the merit of early prevention.

 

​

​