Cervical cancer is the biggest cause of cancer-related deaths for women in Solomon Islands, according to health authorities.
Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health Dr Cedric Alependava revealed this, Thursday.
He was speaking at the handing over of an important medical device called “Colposcope” by the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation to the Ministry of Health.
Dr Alependava said the Colposcope will make a great difference to strengthening the cervical cancer screening capacity in the country.
“Cervical cancer is a terrible disease across the world,” he said.
“Here in the Solomon Islands it is the biggest cause of cancer-related deaths for women.
“Any support to reduce this burden is greatly appreciated by the people of Solomon Islands,” Dr Alependava said.
He thanked the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation for facilitating the acquiring of the device and bringing the equipment into country, Olympus, the manufacturer who donated the equipment, and Solomon Airlines for transporting the equipment for free.
The Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation chief executive officer Joe Tooma, flew over to Honiara to hand over the equipment to the National Referral Hospital.
He was accompanied by Brian and Margaret Atkin, programme staff and Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation volunteers.
