Grounds for Health Celebrates World Cancer Day!

February 4 was World Cancer Day, a day that reminds us annually how lucky we are to be battling a cancer that can be detected and cured. Not all cancers are so tangibly preventable, and we are humbled and energized by the opportunity to help end cervical cancer around the world. To celebrate, we organized events in Ethiopia and Kenya.

In Ethiopia, our team hosted a four-day campaign at Dore Primary Hospital in Sidama Region. 328 women were screened for cervical precancer, and all 54 with positive results received treatment that same day. Three women who had advanced forms of precancer that couldn’t be treated in a rural setting were referred to the regional hospital, and our team will follow them to ensure they have the resources to access the follow-up they need. Here’s a short clip of the health education provided to women when they arrive at our campaigns. Listen closely to hear the local language, and the local birds!

 

In Kenya, our team is usually asked to offer screening and treatment as part of a County-wide celebration of World Cancer Day, but this year the Kenyan government postponed their event to prioritize COVID vaccination. That didn’t stop our team, however, who remains committed to providing safe access to preventive services despite the challenges of an ongoing pandemic.

They organized mini-campaigns in Mukerweini, Karatina, Gakawa, and Marua where 216 women were screened and 22 women received same-day treatment for cervical precancer. 

To all whose lives have been affected by cancer, we send our deepest sympathies and love. We are honored to walk alongside you and so many other cancer patients, survivors, family members, and friends in the fight against this disease.