GONE are the days when women’s health issues were relegated to the bottom of the list. A landmark initiative for women’s health has been unveiled: the Stellamaris cervical cancer screening clinic in Kavieng town, New Ireland Province. The clinic’s grand opening on March 1 signaled a crucial step forward in promoting early detection and prevention of cervical cancer among women in the region.
Distinguished figures such as New Ireland Provincial Hospital CEO Dr. Stennard Hiashiri, Obstetrician-Gynecologist Dr. Paula Zzferio, Acting Provincial Administrator Richard Andia, and Provincial Executive Council Chairlady for Health Misbil Nelson graced the inauguration ceremony, emphasizing the significance of proactive health measures.
Dr. Zzferio underscored the alarming admission rates of 15 to 30 cervical cancer cases annually at the Gynecology ward of Kavieng General Hospital, with many cases diagnosed
at advanced stages. He stressed the critical importance of early detection and treatment,
urging women aged 30-59 to avail themselves of the screening, testing, and treatment services offered at the newly established clinic.
The Stellamaris Cervical Cancer Clinic stands out for its screening of the high-risk Human
Papilloma Virus (hrHPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer, and its provision of same-day treatment through Thermoablative therapy. This cutting-edge technology ensures prompt results within an hour, eliminating the anxiety associated with prolonged waiting periods for test outcomes.
New Ireland Province emerges as the second province in the country, after Western Highlands, to offer same-day treatment for cervical cancer, utilizing advanced technologies such as Thermoablation and the Gene Xpert Machine.
Acknowledging the invaluable support from various stakeholders, CEO Dr. Stennard Hiashiri
expressed gratitude to the Catholic Church for providing space for the clinic’s operation at Tohain Junction-N4C in Kavieng town. He also commended the collaborative efforts between the Provincial Health Authority (PHA), Australian Government, and the
New Ireland Provincial Government.
Misbil Nelson lauded the visionary leadership of past New Ireland PHA boards and CEOs for
spearheading the Cervical Cancer Elimination project. She emphasized the transformative
impact of the program, echoing Governor Sir Julius Chan’s commitment to improving
maternal healthcare during the program’s launch in May 2023.
Provincial Member Chief Sir Julius Chan has introduced the proposed Provincial Health
Authority (Amendment) Bill 2023, aiming to decentralize PHA to provincial governments,
a move currently under parliamentary review. The Australian Government’s funding for the Cervical Cancer Elimination project underscores the significance of collaborative
endeavors in advancing healthcare initiatives in the region.
The inauguration of the Stellamaris cervical cancer screening clinic in Kavieng marks a
significant stride towards prioritizing women’s health in New Ireland Province. This initiative
not only underscores the importance of early detection and prevention of cervical cancer but also highlights the need for accessible healthcare services tailored to the
unique needs of women.
With same-day screening and treatment options
available, the clinic offers a beacon of hope for women facing the threat of cervical cancer. By leveraging advanced technologies and fostering partnerships with stakeholders, it demonstrates a commitment to empowering women through proactive healthcare measures.
However, while this development is
commendable, it also serves as a reminder
of the ongoing challenges in healthcare access, particularly in remote regions. Sustainable efforts are needed to ensure that such vital services reach all women, regardless of their geographic location or socio-economic
status.
As we celebrate this milestone, let us reaffirm our dedication to women’s health and advocate for equitable access to comprehensive healthcare services. By prioritizing preventative care and investing in accessible healthcare infrastructure, we can
strive towards a future where every woman has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
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