Mercy named referral health centre for cervical cancer screening

Leaders from medical facilities affiliated with the Sierra Leone Conference of the United Methodist Church recently met in Bo to collaborate their efforts to serve the community.  District Medical Officer Dr. Turay invited Mercy Hospital Matron Augusta Kpanabum to do a presentation on cervical cancer screening and its importance for all  women of child-bearing age.  VIA, visual inspection with acetic acid, is a low cost, very effective technique for identifying precancerous cells, saving women from full blown cervical cancer.  The Mercy staff uses a technique taught to them by HCW Board member Dr. Carol McIntosh in October 2016.

Mercy now offers free VIA screening on Fridays, and treats women found to have precancerous cells with cryotherapy.  As a result of the Bo district meeting, Mercy Hospital has been identified as the referral health centre for VIA screening and treatment in Bo.