October 20, 2024/
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Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, yet it remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide.…
YouScreen is a community-focused initiative aimed at increasing Cervical Cancer (CaCx) screening rates. This initiative will work principally through community mass sensitization and screening. The operation model will include compelling testimonies from cervical cancer survivors, who share their personal stories and address common barriers hindering women from screening for CaCx. This peer support will be supplemented by educational sessions led by midwives and other health professionals to further boost awareness and motivate women to voluntarily screen for CaCx.
A community where all women have equitable access to cervical cancer screening services, receive prompt treatment, and experience improved health outcomes through proactive informed care
Increase cervical cancer screening awareness among the general population of Gulu district through radio talk shows, Televisions programs and community outreaches.
Raymond is the Founder of the Oraboni Foundation and Co-Founder of the YouScreen Initiative, which secured D-Prize funding in 2024 to enhance cervical cancer screening in Northern Uganda. He has served as Deputy Head of Maternal and Child Health at Nurture Africa Medical Centre, leading teams to improve service delivery and staff development.
In Uganda, cervical cancer (CaCx) is a major cause of cancer-related deaths among women, with 3,000 new cases and 2,400 deaths annually (Obol et al., 2021) where as in Northern Uganda, the Gulu Cancer registry shows cervical cancer as the most widespread form of cancer in the region, affecting nearly half of the female population (49.4%) (Okongo et al., 2019).
This is related to inadequate access to screening services, fear for the examination, low awareness of the importance of cervical cancer screening, and socio-cultural barriers for instance traditions consider sexuality discussions a taboo preventing women from seeking care.
Empower women with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health.
Foster strong partnerships with survivors, health facilities, and community organizations to enhance the effectiveness of our initiatives.
Approach every interaction with empathy and understanding, respecting the diverse backgrounds and concerns of the community.
Utilize creative and evidence-based approaches to improve cervical cancer screening and awareness.
Focusing on women in Gulu District, particularly those aged 25-54, who are at higher risk for cervical cancer and in need of regular screening.
Engaging local Village Health Teams to facilitate community outreach and education.
Partnering with local hospitals and clinics that provide or can provide cervical cancer screening services.
Utilizing survivors to share their stories and encourage participation in screening and preventive measures.
The YouScreen pilot project effort will be supported by midwives through health education sessions. Village Health Teams (VHTs) will play a crucial role in mobilizing women for community sensitizations. Eligible women who consent to screening will receive informational coupons with contact details. Those who test positive will be referred for treatment and follow-up care at local facilities.
To guarantee effective follow-up, we will implement a rigorous monitoring and evaluation process to track the performance and impact of this initiative.
We hope to increase access to CaCx screening among women in the country and increase screening rates from less than 30% (Nakisege et al., 2017) to above 70% in 5 years. This will in turn reduce the number of deaths due to CaCx in Uganda and improve the overall health outcomes of women in the country.
YouScreen not only aims to save women but also the general public and the generations to come
This is a very good initiative that shall promote and enhance community based education on both the subject matter and other factors.
We believe women and ladies in our communities shall benefit and be empowered by this project
The Youscreen team's tireless efforts are making significant strides toward a future free from cervical cancer, and their impact is truly commendable.
Keep updated with the latest news, blogs, progress and other information about the YouScreen Project
Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, yet it remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide.…
