NUKUS - On February 18, 2022, UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) handed over equipment for the treatment of precancerous lesions at the primary level to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. The handover ceremony took place on February 18, 2022 as part of the HPV Testing for Early prevention of Cervical Cancer project, sponsored by the Government of Japan.

The handover ceremony was attended by representatives of UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), representatives of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, representatives of the Ministry of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, as well as representatives of regional health departments, obstetrician-gynecologists and others.

This project is aimed at early detection of cervical cancer – correct treatment can lead to the full cure of patients. All results obtained during the implementation of the program will be handed over to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan to inform the development of the National Strategy for the prevention of cancer diseases, including cervical cancer.

With the help of this equipment the ministry of Health of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, doctors working at the primary health care level will be able to provide necessary assistance in treatment of women at an early stage of cancer, make a biopsy of the cervix, diathermoelectrocoagulation for cervical hyperkeratosis and stop bleeding. The device is designed to work in many areas of surgery: outpatient gynecology, outpatient surgery, cosmetology and dermatology, planned flexible and rigid endoscopy, etc. Of particular note is the fact that women living in remote areas will no longer need to travel to oncology centers, but be able to receive the full range of services for the treatment of precancerous lesions directly in polyclinics.

Kamolkhon Inomkhojaev, Deputy Representative of UNFPA in Uzbekistan, noted that the project “HPV testing for early prevention of cervical cancer” in the Republic of Uzbekistan aims to improve the level of medical services provided in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and strengthen the capacity of the primary level in the treatment of women with cervical diseases. In the future, it is expected that the result of the pilot project will be the development and implementation of a national screening program for cervical cancer. Screening programs can bring positive results, both in reducing the rate of new cases and mortality from cervical cancer by up to 80%.