Those with persistent HPV infection may need a specialised follow up medical examination with colposcopy (medical experts examine with an equipment for any HPV-related changes or abnormalities in vulva, vagina or cervix of women) or anoscopy (medical experts examine with an equipment for any HPV-related changes or abnormalities in anus or rectum). If any changes or abnormalities, further appropriate medical treatment is required.
"We need more medical centres for anoscopy," said Dr Prapti Gilada whose study participants may require further follow up. Her centre is continuing to follow up with all the study participants, one of whom has become HPV negative during the study.
Dr Smita Joshi is a widely recognised colposcopy trainer too. "We have screened over 40,000 women for HPV and cervical cancer and managed them appropriately as per the WHO latest guidelines." Her centre at Prayas is a recognised colposcopy centre too which has trained several medical professionals including gynaecologists from within India and other countries too.
She appeals for financial resources to scale up trainings of medical professionals in India and other countries which would go a long way in strengthening capacities and competencies towards addressing HPV and related cancers.
Addressing HPV lacks ambition
Governments have promised to eliminate cervical cancer by end of this century. In order to be on track towards cervical cancer elimination, all countries must reach and maintain an incidence rate of below 4 per 100,000 women. Achieving that goal rests on 3 key pillars and their corresponding targets to be achieved by 2030 so that countries are on track towards eliminating cervical cancer by end of the century.
- vaccination: 90% of all eligible young people must be fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15
- screening: 70% of women should be screened using a high-performance test by the age of 35, and again by the age of 45
- treatment: 90% of women with pre-cancer treated and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed.
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