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Visual inspection for cervical cancer and HPV testing in Eswatini

Ibn Battuta, William Bayliss

Cervical cancer is a significant health concern worldwide, particularly in low-resource settings where access to screening and diagnostic tools is limited. Visual inspection methods and HPV testing have emerged as valuable tools for cervical cancer prevention and early detection. This study aims to assess the implementation and effectiveness of visual inspection for cervical cancer and HPV testing in Eswatini, a small landlocked country in Southern Africa. The introduction of visual inspection techniques, such as visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and visual inspection with Lugol's iodine (VILI), offers a practical and cost-effective approach for cervical cancer screening. These include training healthcare providers in the proper administration of visual inspection techniques, establishing quality assurance protocols for accurate interpretation of results, ensuring the availability and affordability of HPV testing kits, and integrating screening programs into the existing healthcare infrastructure. This study aims to evaluate the current status of visual inspection and HPV testing in Eswatini, assessing their accessibility, effectiveness, and impact on cervical cancer prevention and control. By identifying challenges and areas for improvement, this research seeks to contribute valuable insights for the expansion and enhancement of cervical cancer screening programs in Eswatini and other similar low-resource settings. Ultimately, the successful implementation of visual inspection and HPV testing can help reduce the burden of cervical cancer and improve women's health outcomes in Eswatini.