Project goal

Cervical cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Most women living here are unaware of the risks of this disease and know neither treatment options nor the very important preventive measures. We now know that cervical cancer is almost exclusively caused by the so-called human papillomavirus (HPV) and always manifests itself early in precancerous stages of altered cells (precancerous lesions). Regular testing for these altered cells (Pap test) and for HP viruses is therefore a very effective means of cancer prevention. However, these tests cost around USD 90, while 60% of the population can get by on less than USD 1.90 per day. With the help of the Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation, we want to reduce the mortality rate of women living in poverty in Kinshasa by preventing cervical cancer through the introduction of HPV screening.

Introducing a culture of screening

Together with Dr Luis Chiva, Chief Gynaecologist at the University Hospital of Navarra (Spain) and specialist in the field of gynaecological oncology, and Dr Celine Tendobi, Chief Gynaecologist at the Monkole Hospital Center, Kinshasa (DR Congo), a screening programme will be set up over the next two years that is adapted to local resources and still effectively prevents cervical cancer. The Monkole Hospital Center with its four health centres is located in Selembao and Mont-Ngafula, two of the poorest districts in the capital Kinshasa. An awareness-raising campaign in public life draws attention to the risk of cervical cancer and prevention options. At the same time, the Congolese medical team is being trained in taking the screening tests, evaluating them and treating any precancerous lesions that may have already developed by cauterising the tissue so that they can carry out the screening programme independently.

Capacity building in Kinshasa

20 doctors and ten midwives from the Monkole Hospital Centre and other health centres and maternity clinics in the region as well as 20 students from the surrounding universities will take part in Dr Chiva’s medical training. They will learn about the links between HP viruses and the development of cervical cancer. In addition, all participants will receive practical training in the taking of cervical smears and the destruction of cells in the pre-cancerous stage through thermal treatment.
In addition, the microbiological laboratory at the Monkole Hospital Centre will be equipped so that the cell smear can be examined on site for altered cell structures.

Our local partner

The Centre Congolais de Culture de Formation et de Développement (CECFOR) was founded in 1986 by committed Congolese and Europeans living in Kinshasa. The aim of its activities is to empower each individual to fully develop their personality, regardless of their financial background, in order to be a responsible and stable player in society. In 1989, CECFOR founded the Monkole Hospital Centre in the poor districts of Kinshasa in order to provide the population there with high-quality healthcare based on humane treatment in which the individual is the focus of medical action.