Objectives:

To build a shared understanding among healthcare workers of the strategic approach to the elimination of cervical cancer, and of their role within it. The series follows the pillars of the cervical cancer control continuum, from primary prevention through to survivorship and palliative care. The cross-cutting enablers that hold the strategy together will be covered in a further session, to be scheduled.
By the end of the series, participants will be able to:
a) Describe cervical cancer, its causes, and the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) and related risk factors.
b) Explain the screening algorithms, referral pathways and treatment options across service levels.
c) Describe the care pathway for invasive cervical cancer, from diagnosis and staging through to treatment.
d) Explain the principles of survivorship, palliative and end-of-life care within the cervical cancer continuum.
e) Summarise the political, health system, community and data enablers required for elimination.

Questions/key issues to be covered:

Session 1 – Pillar 1: primary prevention, HPV vaccination
What is cervical cancer and how does it develop? What are HPV subtypes and the risk factors for cervical cancer? What does HPV vaccination mean for a young person who has received it? What is the future of HPV vaccination in South Africa?

Video: 

Speakers:

Dr Ndlovu
Deputy Director-General: HIV, AIDS, TB and MCWH

Dr Sithembile Dlamini Nqeketo
Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health National Professional Officer

Prof Hennie Botha
Professor and Head of Department, Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Ms Manana 
Learner – HPV vaccination beneficiary

Professor Helen Rees
Executive Director, Wits RHI; Co-Director, Wits African Leadership in Vaccinology Expertise (ALIVE) Flagship Programme

Ms Thembi Zulu
Deputy Director: Women & Genetics, Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights