Residents of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) will soon benefit from visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) testing for pre-cancerous cells, according to Minister within the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), Dr. Karen Cummings.According to a release from the Department of Public Information, this facility is readily available in all other regions, except Region Eight.The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has launched a countrywide campaign in an effort to curtail cervical cancer and to heighten awareness of this national issue.The three-pronged campaign is conducted under the theme “prevent cervical cancer, get screened today.” The main steps being promoted are VIA testing (visual inspection with acetic acid), Pap smear testing (Papanicolaou smear) and HPV (Human papillomavirus) vaccines.Currently, DPI said VIA testing is available at the Mabaruma Hospital, the Charity and Suddie hospitals, the West Demerara Regional Hospital, the Leonora Cottage Hospital, the Georgetown Public Hospital, the Campbellville Health Centre, the Dorothy Bailey Health Centre and the National Care and Treatment Centre (NCTC), the Mahaicony Hospital, the Skeldon Hospital, the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, the Bartica Regional Hospital, the Lethem Hospital, the Linden Hospital and the Wismar Hospital.Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings (centre) at a recent cancer awareness event. (DPI photo)
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