Umdlavusa 'pap smear' drive

SASOG media briefing and launch of KZN "Umdlavusa Pap Smear Drive"

The South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (SASOG) constituency, noting the increasing number of medicolegal cases in our country, and the general increase in public perception of distrust towards the profession, would like to reiterate its commitment to excellence in service delivery to its patients.

Its members want to give a reminder that they are the custodians of women's health. By holding regular conferences and CME activities, they want to ensure that they deliver evidence-based clinical care to all our women, with the sensitivity and compassion that is necessary. Tomorrow (8th March) marks the international day of the women, and this echoes with their conference theme of "advocating equitable access to women's health". They therefore support the KZN-DOH and UKZN's launch of the "Umdlavusa Pap Smear Drive" and wish them well in this effort of making sure that no woman dies of this highly preventable disease.

UKZN and KZN-DOH have partnered together with CANSA to promote awareness against cervical cancer, as well as increase screening coverage throughout the province in the month of April. This will culminate with concentrated screening on the 20th April (all health facilities offering maternity services in the province), and for women residing in Ethekwini, screening will take place on the 21st April at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. All eligible* women are urged to present themselves or encourage those closest for screening (*eligible = anyone who has never had a pap smear and is >30years of age, or last smear >10 years ago. If HIV infected, anyone with no previous smear, or last smear >3years ago).

The Sasog media briefing and launch of Umdlavusa "Pap Smear" Drive will take place on:Date: Wednesday 7th MarchTime: 10h30 - 10h45Venue: Plenary Hall 2

Annually, 7.6 million lives are lost to cancer worldwide - higher than the mortality rate for AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined, according to the Union for International Cancer Control.

To ensure that no woman dies of this highly preventable disease, this year, the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, CANSA, and other stakeholders, will undertake a province-wide campaign to raise awareness about cervical cancer and how it can be prevented through screening. The campaign, titled the "Mdlavuza Pap Smear Drive" will be launched on the 7th March at the Durban ICC.

The 'Mdlavuza Pap Smear Drive' campaign hopes to raise awareness of cervical cancer, provide free Pap smear screening and educate women about its prevention by encouraging women to have regular pap smears. It will culminate on the 21st April at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital where all eligible* women are urged to present themselves or encourage those closest to them to come into the hospital for free screening.

(*eligible = anyone who has never had a pap smear and is >30years of age, or last smear >10 years ago. If HIV infected, anyone with no previous smear, or last smear >3years ago).

The medical specialists hope to attempt to set a record for the most Pap smears performed under one roof in one day. Regular Pap smears can prevent 90% of cervical cancer as it detects any abnormal cell changes in the cervix, allowing them to be monitored and treated well before cancer develops.

The country's Obstetricians and Gynecologists are meeting in eThekwini from the 4th to 7th of March (https://www.sasog2018.co.za) and have pledged their support for the campaign and call on qualifying women (above the age of 30 years) to have pap screening without delay.

Event DetailsDate: Wednesday, 7 March 2018Time: 10h15Venue: Chief Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre

Enquiries:Dr Motshedisi SebitloaneHOD: UKZN's Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyTel: 0825628681/ 031 2604390Email: [email protected]