Cervical cancer is a formidable healthcare challenge in Tanzania, especially in the Dodoma region. Neema Msemo, a dedicated registered nurse at the Makole Health Centre, is at the forefront of addressing this issue in her community. With cervical cancer being the most common cancer among women in Sub-Saharan countries, including Tanzania, it’s imperative to improve screening methods and raise awareness to reduce its incidence and mortality rate.
Recently, Msemo and her colleagues were introduced to an innovative, faster, and more efficient method of screening for cervical cancer lesions using basic digital technology through the Cervical Cancer Screening Program (CECAP), integrated into the USAID Afya Yangu Northern Project. This groundbreaking technology, known as Smartphone Enhanced Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (SEVIA), is changing the landscape of cervical cancer screening in Tanzania.
The SEVIA Technology
SEVIA is a game-changing innovation that enhances the visual inspection of the cervix by utilizing a smartphone application. This technology was introduced to Tanzania by the Ministry of Health and is endorsed by the World Health Organization. The USAID Afya Yangu Northern Project is among the pioneering partners in Tanzania to adopt this cutting-edge technology.
Msemo's Experience with SEVIA
Neema Msemo, an experienced cervical cancer screening professional, attests to the benefits of SEVIA. Within just five months of using this technology, she screened over 250 women. One particular case stands out, where Msemo initially provided a negative result, indicating no precancerous lesions or changes on the cervix. However, a national SEVIA reviewer promptly reviewed the uploaded cervix image and corrected the diagnosis to positive, citing valid reasons.
Msemo immediately contacted the client and ensured she received treatment with thermocoagulation on the same day. Thermocoagulation is a procedure used to treat precancerous cells in the cervix. According to Msemo, the client will return after five months for reevaluation. If she tests negative, she will be given another one-year period for a follow-up checkup.
SEVIA’s Impact
Among the 150 facilities supported by the USAID Afya Yangu Northern’s CECAP services, 45 now utilize SEVIA to enhance screening quality and the competency of healthcare providers. In just six months of project implementation, 1,197 cervical images were submitted to the SEVIA app for review, and 140 of them had mismatched results. This showcases the immediate impact of SEVIA in improving the accuracy of cervical cancer screening.
“Cervical cancer is very real. Therefore, I encourage women to take cervical screening very seriously so that they can save their lives." Her dedication to using SEVIA technology underscores the potential to revolutionize cervical cancer screening across Tanzania.”
The introduction of Smartphone Enhanced Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (SEVIA) is a remarkable milestone in the fight against cervical cancer in Tanzania. Neema Msemo’s experience is just one of many examples highlighting the transformative power of this technology. With increased awareness, training, and implementation of SEVIA, there is hope for a future where cervical cancer can be detected and treated early, ultimately saving countless lives in Tanzania and beyond.
Reference:
[https://bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-020-07439-3](https://bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-020-07439-3)
