A lecture on the causes, consequences, and prevention of cervical cancer was held for junior and secondary school students in the Central Region in a joint effort between the Ministries of Health and Education.
The lecture, held at Orrota Referral Hospital’s hall, was led by Mr. Efrem Zebay, Head of Fertility Unit at the Ministry of Health, who emphasized that cervical cancer develops gradually and can be treated if detected early. He also highlighted that 99 percent of the causes of cervical cancer are due to unprotected sex.
Furthermore, Mr. Efrem pointed out that cervical cancer often presents no early symptoms and can take up to 20 years to develop into cancer, with abnormal bleeding being a common indicator at an advanced stage.
Mr. Amanuel Ghermatsion, Head of Communication and Training at the Ministry of Health, urged students to understand the importance of the lecture and enhance their knowledge to help eradicate the causes of cervical cancer. He also stressed the significance of students’ participation in vaccination programs aimed at prevention.
In addition to the lecture, a general knowledge competition was conducted among 14 secondary schools in Asmara, providing an interactive learning experience for the students.
In another effort to raise public awareness about health services, members of Hazhaz Regional Referral Hospital and Eda’ga-Hamus Community Hospital conducted a seminar for residents of the Eda’ga-Hamus sub-zone. The seminar included reports on the hospitals’ activities in 2023, their modern equipment and professional capacities, as well as the prevalence of diseases and other pertinent health issues from the previous year.
This initiative seeks to empower students and community members with knowledge and resources to combat cervical cancer along with raising general health awareness.
