Our PSRH team was in Samoa as part of the Cervical Cancer Prevention Programme in the Pacific. This was a multiagency workshop which gave opportunities for many leading clinicians from the Pacific to share the work in their own countries for cervical cancer prevention and screening. The two key recommendations out of the workshop include:
- The continued need for research; and
- The need for a regional policy for cervical cancer screening, treatment and vaccination.
Over the two days we heard about programme strengths and challenges that are in place in Fiji, Vanuatu, New Zealand, Malaysia, PNG and other initiatives that are in progress in Samoa and Tonga. We had delegates from UNFPA, WHO, Fiji and Samoa Cancer Society, many respected academics from New Zealand, Australia, USA and the Pacific. We also had ministerial presence from the Government of Samoa and the New Zealand High Commission Team.
Members of the past and present PSRH leadership contributed including Pushpa Nusair, Salausa John Ah Ching, Paula Puawe, Alec Ekeroma, James Fong and Ireen Manuel. PSRH is proud to be in this pathway with our member countries and we will stay committed to developing a regional policy on cervical cancer prevention.
Media Release: Samoa Observer: http://sobserver.ws/en/30_05_2018/local/33586/Tackling-cervical-cancer-in-the-Pacific-region.htm and Radio NZ: https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/2018647539/hopes-for-a-cervical-screening-programme-in-samoa