The International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) will be collaborating with the Ministry of Public Health to advance the health of women in several areas including, maternal mortality and cervical cancer.
The Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton on Thursday met with Professor Chittaranjan Narahari Purandare, President of FIGO, at the Ministry of Public Health.
The Public Health Ministry said it sought assistance in improving existing protocols to screen women for cervical cancer and family planning policies particularly anti-contraceptives such as IUD’s and injectable contraceptives.
The Minister said he is looking forward to future collaborations with the FIGO to advance the health of the Guyanese women, particularly in reducing maternal mortality and cervical cancer.
Professor Purandare assured the Minister that he will avail his organizations’ resources to enhance Guyana’s public healthcare system.
The Ministry and FIGO are hoping to collaborate with the PAHO/ WHO in developing a National Plan to reduce cervical cancer. The Ministry currently offers free Visual Inspection using Acetic Acid (VIA) screening for cervical cancer and cryogenic treatment for persons who are detected with cancerous legions. The Ministry also has a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination programme for all girls between the ages of 11-13 years old.
The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) is an organization that brings together professional societies of obstetricians and gynecologist on a global basis. For over 60 years, the organisation has been collaborating with world’s top health and donor bodies in developing countries to strengthen capacity through education and specialized training on various women’s health issues.
FIGO actively collaborates with global, national and regional organisations to promote the wellbeing of women and to raise the standards of practice in obstetrics and gynaecology such as oncology, prenatal health, and safe motherhood.
