Haiti has the highest reported rate of cervical cancer of any country in the world – 11 times higher than in the United States. Cervical cancer is called the “silent killer” because women often have no symptoms in the early stages. Often times there are no warning signs until the cancer has spread to the bladder, liver, or lungs. Pair this with inaccessible healthcare in Haiti and it is understandable why cervical cancer is such an issue.
How can cervical cancer be prevented?
Rapid screening tests for cervical HPV (human papillomavirus) combined with cryotherapy treatments for women who test positive for HPV have recently been proven to decrease the incidence and mortality from cervical cancer. This is an amazing breakthrough in the prevention of cervical cancer in countries like Haiti with limited access to healthcare.
World Wide Village is now partnering with global leaders in women’s health initiatives to fight cervical cancer in Haiti. This opportunity has come thanks to our wonderful supporters who have joined with us to complete the construction of the WWV medical center and are funding staff salaries to begin the cervical cancer screening program. Please continue to pray for this process and for the women who may be touched as they see the love of Christ in action and hopefully see that their lives matter to us and to God.
