News
Is elimination of cervical cancer feasible globally? Webinar: Lessons learnt from PRESCRIP-TEC project.
The webinar was conducted on 30th January 2024. To grasp the latest developments in the effort to reduce 50% of cervical cancer cases by 2040, we encourage you to view the recorded session. The PRESCRIP-TEC consortium, in collaboration with The Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD), co-hosted this conference to
PRESCRIP-TEC last General Assembly in Utrecht
The PRESCRIP-TEC consortium gathered in Utrecht, Netherlands, from 22-25 March, 2023. Representatives from all the participating countries attended with the aim to exchange experiences and information on the project’s progress, ongoing activities, and various work packages. The meeting also served as a platform to prepare for the project’s final stages.
Providing health care in regions without road access
Dr. Asif Ahamed, programme manager of FRIENDSHIP’s floating hospitals, organised a guided tour for us to explain all the facilities and activities carried out at this very unique hospital.
Slovakia’s collaborative impact in Bangladesh: advancing cervical cancer screening protocols with innovation and expertise
During the summer of 2023, the Slovak team engaged in a field visit to Bangladesh. The purpose of this visit was to support the implementation of standard operating procedures, monitor the use of guidelines by field workers, and identify if any need is required for improvements in national cervical cancer screening , treatment policies and in training materials.
Slovakia’s collaborative impact in Uganda: advancing cervical cancer screening protocols with innovation and expertise
In a world where disparities in healthcare access persist, PRESCRIP-TEC has undertaken a significant initiative aimed at enhancing cervical cancer screening programs in both Europe and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The primary objective is to improve the existing screening processes through the development of cost-effective and user-friendly tools. This
Working together to bring cervical screening where it is needed most
The PRESCRIP-TEC team, representatives from the Female Cancer Foundation, Friendship, and the Uganda Rural Development Programme. The PRESCRIP-TEC Project is a multi-country approach that focuses its research on increasing the adoption of cervical cancer screening in resource-poor or hard-to-reach settings of Bangladesh, India, Uganda and Slovakia. During PRESCRIP-TEC’s research, remarkable
Healthy Regions: Bridging the gaps, for better health in the Roma communities in Slovakia
Healthy Regions is a state-contributory organisation with the mission to implement and develop provisional countervailing measures in the health field. Currently, the organisation works in eight regions of Slovakia. Its task is to implement activities to systematically improve conditions so that better health outcomes can be achieved. Healthy Regions has
UMCG medical students visit Bangladesh to collaborate in the PRESCRIP-TEC project
Students from the Netherlands spent six weeks working with PRESCRIP-TEC partners in Bangladesh. Their main aim was to conduct a cost analysis of the project.
WHO Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative: from call to action to global movement
Read about how WHO’s cervical cancer elimination initiative grew from a call to action to a global movement. Download the technical document.
Voices from the field: Reaching out to Bangalore’s women in sex work, to prevent cervical cancer
The different realities of women’s lives can immensely impact their access to education, employment and health care. Recognizing these realities is probably the first step in removing barriers which refrain the access to these important aspects of life.
VHTs in Uganda: Empowering women and saving lives in hard-to-reach settings
The members of village health teams are part of their communities. They are playing a very important role in the PRESCRIP-TEC project’s goal of reducing the incidence of cervical cancer in hard-to-reach or marginalised communities. Here a VHT member in Uganda speaks about his role and experiences as part of
The PRESCRIP-TEC consortium met for the first time in person
The PRESCRIP-TEC consortium met for the first time in person in Groningen on Thursday 30 and Friday 31 March. The meeting was attended by representatives from all countries where the program is being implemented. More than 9 nationalities together, representing 18 institutions with the common goal of eliminating cervical cancer
EU presents the Country Cancer Profiles
Last Wednesday 1st February 2023 the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, presented the EU Country Profiles at the Conference on cancer held in Stockholm. The Country Cancer Profiles aim to identify inequalities, strengths, challenges and specific areas of action on cancer prevention and care for the
Cervical cancer screening – Working in remote areas in the south of Bangladesh
The PRESCRIP-TEC project is conducting implementation research into improving secondary prevention of cervical cancer through a unique screening method using a self-test for HPV infection. During November 2022 Dr. Jessica Vet of the Female Cancer Foundation visited southern Bangladesh to observe the progress of the project and to share her
Training data collectors in Bangladesh for end-line study
Extensive in-person training of field-workers in Bangladesh was done at the end of November. The purpose was to train them in the use of quantitative data collection tools for an End-line study as part of the PRESCIP-TEC research. The training was done by the PRESCRIP-TEC partners, icddr,b and FRIENDSHIP NGO.
PRESCRIP-TEC wins award in Knowledge sharing competition at GACD conference
The Prevention and Screening Innovation Project towards Elimination of Cervical Cancer (PRESCRIP-TEC) won the Community Choice award in the Knowledge Sharing poster competition at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GADC). The poster, in cartoon strip form, presents a story about patients who benefit from
Strengthening communication ties and supporting the PRESCRIP-TEC fieldwork in Uganda
This year the Connaxis communications team visited all four countries where the PRESCRIP-TEC project is being carried out. Uganda was the last field visit of the year. During this visit, they had the pleasure of being accompanied by Dr van Slooten, the supervising doctor of the Female Cancer Foundation. They
Cervical cancer elimination day of action: We illuminated Bratislava’s landmarks
Our partner, The Association of European Leagues Against Cancer, has taken the lead in informing and raising awareness for improving overall health services to eliminate cervical cancer. Also, they have contacted the Presidential Palace and the National Bank of Slovakia with a request to light their buildings in teal blue.
Strengthening PRESCRIP-TEC communication between teams in India
A Connaxis communications team visited Manipal, and Bengaluru to gain first-hand insight into the context in which the PRESCRIP-TEC project is being carried out in India. During these visits the team met with project partners, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM), and St. John’s Medical College.
Cervical cancer elimination day of action: PRESCRIP-TEC joins the Movement!
Cervical cancer could be the world’s first cancer eliminated ever if we follow the Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO).
PRESCRIP-TEC is focusing its research in a new method that leads to effective and innovative cervical cancer screening, including direct treatment and follow-up for women in resource-poor or hard-to-reach areas of Bangladesh, India, Uganda and Slovaki
PRESCRIP-TEC partners in Bangladesh brief key stakeholders
During September the two PRESCRIP-TEC partners in Bangladesh liaised with the government and key stakeholders to share the progress and potential impact of the project. Study briefing sessions on PRESCRIP-TEC were held at the Rangpur and Khulna medical colleges. At the end of these important communication sessions, participants were eager
PRESCRIP-TEC communication team visits Bangladesh to strengthen messaging
A Connaxis communications team visited Bangladesh to gain first-hand insight into the context in which the PRESCRIP-TEC project is being carried out in this country. They were briefed in various meetings with project partners and also observed the services in rural areas. In addition, they were able to interview project
Connaxis field visit to Slovakia
The PRESCRIP-TEC project will benefit greatly from a field visit to Slovakia by their Connaxis communications team. The team was not only able to learn about the local context but also collected hundreds of images and hours of video recordings to use in PRESCRIP-TEC communications. “The stories of the beneficiaries
Implementing cervical cancer screening during health emergencies
Friendship has been implementing the cervical cancer screening and treatment program in the northern region of Bangladesh at two floating hospitals, two clinics at Gaibandha and Chilmari, and the Friendship Hospital Shyamnagar in the south. The programme uses a standard protocol including visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), colposcopy, cryotherapy
PRESCRIP-TEC Activities at Friendship Hospital, Shyamnagar
A team led by Ms. Anika Rahman, Research Officer at the icddr,b travelled from Dhaka to conduct baseline microplanning, AWACAN KOBO training for the baseline survey, and various other activities.
Cervical cancer awareness campaign in marginalised Roma communities in Slovakia
A series of awareness-raising events on cervical cancer prevention took place in the regional groups in Slovakia.
Working together in the Slovak Republic to eliminate cervical cancer
In Slovakia PRESCRIP-TEC project includes women aged 19-64. The implementation of the program is targeted at those groups of Slovak women that have long had very low participation in preventive and screening examinations.
PRESCRIP-TEC field visit with UMCG medical students in Bangladesh
Three medical students from the University Medical Center of Groningen, together with head office and field staff of the Friendship’s Health team visited Gaibandha, Bangladesh in May 2022. They joined in the baseline phase of the PRESCRIP-TEC project in Gaibandha Sundarganj,one of the project locations. A long but pleasant journey
UMCG students visited Bangladesh to participate in PRESCRIP-TEC field activities
The University Medical Centre of Groningen (UMCG) students visited Bangladesh in May. The visit started in Dhaka and took students to other rural areas of the country to participate in the field activities.
Field visit to Uganda health centres
In April Dr. Frederik van Slooten, supervisory doctor with the Female Cancer Foundation paid a successful visit to Uganda. He was accompanied by three students of the University Medical Centre Groningen He was in discussions with the Uganda Rural Development and Training Programme (URDT) and the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI)
Glorious’ cervical screening story
Health volunteer Glorious had some serious personal health concerns about cancer. Through cervical cancer training and the opportunity for cervical screening thereafter she was able to put her concerns to rest. Cervical cancer training in Uganda Glorious is a health volunteer in Kisengwe, Uganda. She is 39 years old and
Uganda health teams trained in PRESCRIP-TEC AWACAN tool
PRESCRIP-TEC partners trained village health teams in Kakumiro district, Uganda. The training was in the use of the AWACAN tool.
First PESCRIP-TEC fieldwork training for health workers in Slovakia
Healthy Regions conducted training for regional groups of health promotion assistants and coordinators from Vranov nad Topľou, Prešov and Sabinov in Košice, Slovakia.
Joint discussion on cancer prevention and awareness lead by Friendship
Friendship held a joint discussion on cancer prevention and public health at the Gaibandha Civil Surgeon’s conference room.
The implementation of the WHO’s “Global Strategy Towards the Elimination of Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Problem” in the Netherlands and the Republic of India
The Netherlands and The Republic of India show substantial differences in aspects such as access to and structure of, healthcare and education, as well as culture and religion. Yet, both countries are members of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and thus, following the resolution of the 73rd World Health Assembly, are urged to follow its recommendations regarding Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) prevention and Cervical Cancer (CC) elimination efforts.
PRESCRIP-TEC aligns with EU cancer screening recommendations
The EU released a scientific opinion providing recommendations on how to improve existing cancer screening programmes, including for cervical cancer.
HPV prevention is vital to end cervical cancer
HPV awareness day is a campaign focused on HPV prevention – the first step to end cervical cancer as a public health problem in the 21st century.
PRESCRIP-TEC Partners visit the field in South Bangladesh
Cervical cancer prevention and early treatment has received a boost in the rural South of Bangladesh. This was after a memorable and eye-opening visit by a team of experts from Dhaka on September 26, 2021, supported by the PRESCRIP-TEC project.
FCMs Receive Extensive Training to Address Cervical Cancer
During September 2021, 50 Friendship Community MedicAids (FCM’s) in the South of Bangladesh received intensive training which will go a long way towards prevention and early treatment of cervical cancer in the communities they serve.
Program Boosts Secondary Prevention of Cervical Cancer in Northern Bangladesh
The prevention and early detection of cervical cancer were stepped up in Northern Bangladesh recently with a field visit by experts for the launch of a thermal coagulator and orientation of field staff.
Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness Programme in Innanje village, Udupi district (India)
A successful Cervical Cancer Awareness Programme and screening camp was held in Innanje to promote the elimination of cervical cancer in this rural village.Various health and community organisations collaborated in presenting this event on November 12, 2021.
One year of the Cervical Cancer Elimination movement. What is PRESCRIP-TEC doing?
On 17th November 2021 we are celebrating the Cervical Cancer Elimination movement. Know what PRESCRIP-TEC is doing.
Training on Cervical Cancer Screening for Paramedics and Doctors
Capacity-building in Bangladesh: Our partner FRIENDSHIP carried out training on cervical cancer screening to detect precancerous lesions.
PRESCRIP-TEC Nominated for Computable Awards 2021 in the Care Project Category
Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death among women in resource-poor or hard-to-reach settings in the world, especially sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. These regions account for 85% of global cases of cervical cancer. Here people have little or no access to healthcare. Conventional screening programs are largely ineffective
Towards elimination of cervical cancer
Jaap Koot, coordinator of PRESCRIP-TEC, talked about cervical cancer at the International Student Congress of (bio)Medical Sciences (ISCOMS)
New WHO recomendations for screening and treatment of cervical cancer.
In order to reach the 2030 targets for cervical cancer elimination, the World Health Organization is launching two new products: WHO guideline for screening and treatment of cervical pre-cancer lesions for cervical cancer prevention, second edition. IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention Volume 18 – Cervical Cancer Screening. On Tuesday, 6
How Trnava, Slovakia and the whole World are committed to eliminating cervical cancer
In 2018, an estimated 570.000 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed worldwide, moving the disease to fourth place in the ranking of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women. The world has decided to take action. Overall incidence and mortality are higher in low- and middle-income countries, but are
New initiative launched to fight cervical cancer through prevention and early diagnosis
Prevention and Screening Innovation Project Towards Elimination of Cervical Cancer” (PRESCRIP-TEC) is a 3-year project funded by the Horizon 2020 Research Programme and coordinated by the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG).
The world glows teal for cervical cancer elimination
Cancer of the cervix of the uterus is preventable and curable. Yet it is the fourth most common form of cancer among women. In 2018, around 570.000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide, and 311.000 died of the disease. Few diseases reflect global inequities as much as cervical cancer
