Gynaecologists and obstetricians in Turkmenistan will be better equipped to detect early stages of Cervical Cancer following their participation in training on Colposcopy of cervical cancer.
The training was organized jointly by UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund and the Embassy of Israel, with facilitation of Dr. Boris Zuckerman, Chief of Unit of Gynecological Endoscopy of the Shaare Zedek Medical Center located in the State of Israel.
Colposcopy (kol-POS-koh-pee) is a medical diagnostic procedure, which uses a special magnifying instrument called a Colposcope (KOL-poh-skope). The device lets the medical specialists get a close look at any areas of the cervix or vagina that might be inflamed or beginning to develop abnormal cells, such as malignant (cancerour) tumors.
Malignant tumors of the reproductive system, such as cervical cancer, are the second in the world in the frequency of cancer occurring in women. It is assumed that if no urgent measures taken, in 10 years the number of women who die each year from these diseases will increase by almost 25%.
Good news is that unlike many other types of cancer, if early detected and effectively treated, the cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and successfully cured.
In Turkmenistan, Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, with support of UNFPA, has developed and adopted a National Strategy of Turkmenistan on Response to Cervical Cancer and Breast Cancer Prevention for 2011-2015, which outlines specific activities aimed at early detection and treatment. In 2013, UNFPA conducted training for the visual inspection of the cervix using a solution of acetic acid, a method recommended by WHO as a reliable and cost-effective.
Colposcopy requires special training, experience and equipment. UNFPA has supported the Government of Turkmenistan in procurement of the colposcopes, and during the training more than twenty five medical specialists from all regions of Turkmenistan have strengthened their skills on using the device.
It is expected that the next step in implementation of the National Strategy will be rolling out the Colposcopy trainings on regional level by state budget funds in 2015.
UNFPA: Delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
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For additional information, please contact:
Ene Tuyliyeva, Advocacy Communication Associate
Kemal Goshliyev, National Project Officer on Reproductive Health
Tel: 425250
Web: unfpa.org.tm, www.untuk.org
