Location: Nicaragua - Quilalí and San Bartolo

Situation:

In 2001, with a high prevalence of domestic and sexual violence, in particular against women and children, the government has made this problem a public health priority. Doctors of the World (DOW) is involved with the victims in one of the poorest regions, where the population suffers from various diseases related to social or sanitary conditions, undoubtedly a risk factor for violence.

Activities:

For two years DOW has helped and trained personnel at Quilalí and San Bartolo to screen for and treat pre-cancerous cervical lesions. Five  women affected by this type of cancer were identified and were able to be evacuated to the capital for treatment. In the next six months the team will be completely autonomous and the Ministry of Health will take over this programme. As a result of the program more than 4,000 smear tests were carried out. 200 pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix were identified and treated.