Mother–Child Approach to Cervical Cancer Prevention in a Low Resource Setting: The Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services Story

TL;DR

A mother–child approach to cervical cancer prevention was successfully implemented in Cameroon, combining HPV testing for mothers and vaccination for children.

Contribution

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a combined mother–child strategy for cervical cancer prevention in a low-resource setting.

Findings

505 women were screened for HPV, with 101 testing positive for the virus.

92 children received free HPV vaccination through the EPI program.

Most HPV-positive women were treated with thermal ablation or LEEP for precancerous lesions.

Abstract

Introduction: The rates of cervical cancer screening in Cameroon are unknown and HPV vaccination coverage for age-appropriate youths is reported at 5%. Objectives: To implement the mother–child approach to cervical cancer prevention (cervical screening by HPV testing for mothers and HPV vaccination for daughters) in Meskine, Far North, Cameroon. Methods: After the sensitization of the Meskine–Maroua region using education and a press-release by the Minister of Public Health, a 5-day mother–child campaign took place at Meskine Baptist Hospital. The Ampfire HPV Testing was free for 500 women and vaccination was free for age-appropriate children through the EPI program. Nurses trained in cervical cancer education conducted group teaching sessions prior to having each woman retrieve a personal sample. Self-collected samples were analyzed for HPV the same day. All women with positive tests were assessed using VIA–VILI and treated as appropriate for precancers. Results: 505 women were screened, and 92 children vaccinated (34 boys and 58 girls). Of those screened, 401 (79.4%) were aged 30–49 years old; 415 (82%) married; 348 (69%) no education. Of the HPV positive cases (101): 9 (5.9%) were HPV 16, 11 (10.1%) HPV 18, 74 (73%) HPV of 13 other types. Those who were both HPV and VIA–VILI positive were treated by thermal ablation (63%) or LEEP (25%). Conclusion: The mother–child approach is an excellent method to maximize primary and secondary prevention against cervical cancer.

Figures