Funder: Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation
Grant inception: 1st March 2024
Duration: 3 years

Stakeholders and Partners:

  • Free State Department of Health
  • University of the Free State – Palliative Care Project
  • Local churches
  • Local traditional healers
  • Community-based volunteers
  • Afia Tai organization
  • Other local organizations partnered with the Free State Department of Health

Project Objectives:

  • Consensus Building: Introduction of the project to all relevant stakeholders with a signed memorandum of agreement with the Free State Department of Health as the major stakeholder. Ongoing communication and reporting between all stakeholders.
  • Raise Awareness and Educate the Community: Conduct a knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) study to establish community awareness about cancer. Roll out awareness campaigns using print media and local radio stations. Provide free cervical cancer screening services using a mobile clinic truck. Ensure follow-up care and transport financial assistance for women in need.
  • Capacitate Community Leaders: Provide free cancer training for community leaders using the c-CARE program, focusing on the four common cancers in South Africa. Train professional nurses to ensure high standards in cervical cancer screening services and health education.
  • Decentralize Precancer Treatment: Procure a colposcopy and LLETZ machine to support the Free State Department of Health in opening a colposcopy and LLETZ clinic within a district hospital. Decrease waiting times for precancer treatment and alleviate the load at tertiary hospitals.