WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ON THIS TOPIC

Visual inspection with acetic acid is limited by subjectivity and a lack of skilled human resource. Artificial intelligence has been applied to improve diagnostic accuracy.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

In the absence of pathology, expert opinion can be used as a reference in training the artificial intelligence algorithm for cervical cancer screening in low- and middle-income countries. The algorithm has the potential to provide quality and objective decisional support in screening for cervical cancer in low resource settings.

HOW THIS STUDY MIGHT AFFECT RESEARCH, PRACTICE OR POLICY

Improving the diagnostic accuracy of the algorithm might enable task shifting of screening with the potential to increase coverage and adherence to follow-up. The algorithm will be required to differentiate cancers from pre-cancers and identify the squamo-columnar junction to guide treatment decisions for ablation or excision and referral.

During August,  the PRESCRIP-TEC team in Uganda received guests from the Female Cancer Foundation and FRIENDSHIP NGO. They provided mentorship as well as monitored activities in Kakumiro, and assessed and improved the Electronic Medical Record.

Discover how the PRESCRIP-TEC Project exemplifies cross-border collaboration for health equity in critical areas and how the European Union research funds are impacting the elimination of cervical cancer.

Uganda

Dr. Frederik Van Slooten, one of the Female Cancer Foundation’s gynaecologists (resident) in charge of supervising the PRESCRIP-TEC fieldwork, explains how PRESCRIP-TEC conducts cervical cancer screening in hard-to-reach settings of Uganda.

On 17 November 2020, the World Health Organization launched a global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. From that moment, implementation began. Survivors, advocates, leaders, governments and communities rolled out activities in every region, making international headlines.

We have witnessed, for the first time in history, a transition from a mere call to action to a global movement. We still have a long way to go, but we are progressing continuously and step by step. We can turn the impossible into the possible.