World Cancer Day 2011 in Goma

WORLD CANCER DAY 2011 EVENT REPORT

World Cancer Day 2011: Involve men in cervical cancer screening for their wives.
I. Introduction
Cervical cancer is the leading cause of death by cancer in DRC, so screening and treatment of precancer is more important for women in DRC. During the training of health care providers held from January 8-9, 2011, many of participants have identified another challenge for the program to be successful: if male partners are not associated to the decision of screening for their wives, the adherence will not be good.
So, during the world cancer day, we planed to hold a scientific debate with teachers of “Complexe Scolaire KATASOHIRE” to sensitize them and take their commitment to be involved in cervical cancer campaign.
II. Duration of the event: 4 hours (12:00-16:00)



III. Objectives:
1. Sensitize 20 men (teachers of Complexe Scolaire KATASOHIRE) on cervical cancer screening relevance for women and take their commitment to release their spouses for the test.
2. Sensitize 10 women (teachers of Complexe Scolaire KATASOHIRE) on cervical cancer screening relevance and take their commitment to accept the test.

IV. Outcomes:
The total number of attendees was: 22 (16 men and 6 women).
At the end of the event:
1. Sixteen (16) men teachers in the city of Goma were sensitized on cervical cancer screening relevance and 100% of them have committed to release their spouse for screening when it is available.
Indicator1: 16 men teachers have attended the event/20 expected= 80%
Indicator2: 16 men teachers have committed to release their spouse for screening/16 expected= 100%.
2. Six (6) women teachers in the city of Goma were sensitized on cervical screening relevance and 100% of them have committed to accept the test when it is available.
Indicator1: 6 women teachers have attended the event/10 expected= 60%
Indicator2: 6 women teachers have committed to accept the test/6 expected= 100%.
V. Other outcomes

1. All attendees have committed to raise awareness of their pupils on tobacco smoking and cancer prevention using the books given to them during the event.
2. All attendees have committed to raise awareness of their friends and members of family on cervical cancer screening and treatment to allow them adhering to the program.
3. Another school (Majengo Institute) has invited AGIR ENSEMBLE to hold the same event for the benefit of its teachers. This event is planned on February 19, 2011.

VI. Organizing team:

1. Mateus Kambale Sahani, M.D: Speaker
2. Alphonse Paluku Kavwirwa, Moderator
3. Tshombe Desire, organizer.
Recommendations

At the end of the event, attendees have given some recommendations:
-To hold a large campaign for this program for the effectiveness of the program,
-To look for financial support for the availability of cryotherapy and for the effectiveness of the screening,
-To distribute the educational materials to other schools to allow them being able to raise awareness of this program.
- All attendees have been received the message that tobacco is a big health issue and must be fighted strongly.

NB: We would like to receive the materials of cancer campaign to allow us covering more people in Goma.

Done in Goma,

February 7, 2011

Mateus Kambale Sahani, M.D.

AGIR ENSEMBLE-HEALTH DEPARTMENT.