Cervical Cancer Screening
Saving Women’s Lives in Ecuador
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In Ecuador, cervical cancer needlessly kills thousands of women each year. The country’s burden of cervical cancer mirrors the broader Latin American trend, with morbidity rates four times higher and mortality rates five times higher compared to the United States. Currently, 36% of all women in Ecuador have never been screened for cervical cancer, with the majority of these women being indigenous and having limited or no access to screening services.
Program Goals
Mobilize Outreach
There is a need to develop and manage mobile cervical cancer-focused campaigns within the communities of the Chimborazo province
Overcome Barriers to Care
This experience is open to anybody looking to make an impact of in the lives of people in the Chimborazo province.
Education and Awareness
While your visit is temporary, our team ensures that the work you do is an integral part of our mission to support healthy communities.
Consistent Care
We will have several opportunities for cultural immersion. Excursions as well as community collaborative learning is encouraged.
We Can Create Positive Change
Cervical cancer prevention and treatment not only saves women’s lives in Ecuador but also enhances the lives of Ecuadorian children in need. Studies show that when mothers are healthy, their families, including children, benefit overall. Healthy and supportive mothers contribute to higher educational attainment and greater economic success among their children. Moreover, women who have received cervical cancer treatment through FIBUSPAM often return with other women from their communities, along with their children and spouses, to access additional medical care and treatments. Consequently, cervical cancer screening becomes a crucial entry point for addressing the health needs of thousands of families.
Our Top Progam Priorities
- Acquire significant funding to sustain a permanent program in Ecuador
- Strengthen and empower staff to promote this initiative
- Overcome the stigma of women’s health needs
Work is Underway!
Summer intern, Hilal Akman (Princeton University ’27), conducted an intensive study on how to establish a permanent cervical cancer screening program at FIBUSPAM. This video is her presentation.
These efforts are designed to increase the acceptance of screening and treatment services. Ultimately, by planning and implementing cervical cancer mobile campaigns that provide cervical cancer screening, prevention and educational services once a month, the project seeks to treat over 100 patients per campaign, significantly reducing cervical cancer rates among the indigenous and rural populations.
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Expanding Our Focus: PACH's New Mental Health Initiative
PACH is broadening its mission to include mental health support for Ecuadorian communities. Responding to local needs, we're developing culturally-sensitive mental health programs in collaboration with local leaders and healthcare professionals. This initiative reflects our commitment to holistic well-being and building resilient communities. By integrating mental health into our services, we're taking a crucial step towards comprehensive healthcare for all.
Stay tuned for updates as we work to implement this vital new focus, reinforcing our dedication to the complete health of the people we serve.