Cervical cancer affects half a million people annually, but with proper screening, prevention, and treatment, the burden & mortality can be greatly reduced. The #TigraySiege in Ethiopia has resulted in Tigrayan women losing access to these vital services. @WomenforWomen @GaviSeth
99% of cervical cancer is caused by high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV), a common sexually transmitted virus. To prevent cervical cancer, effective vaccines are administered. Yet, in #Tigray, vaccines have neither been accessible nor available b/c of the humanitarian blockade.
Adequate medical supplies have also not entered #Tigray—among them are supplies to perform pap smears to screen for HPV. When left untreated, HPV can progress to cervical cancer. Without vaccines & screenings, Tigrayan women are highly susceptible + vulnerable to cervical cancer.
Lastly, the third tool to fight cervical cancer is treatment, which is effective if caught early. Cancer drugs have long run out in #Tigray. Health professionals initially turned to expired drugs, but now otherwise treatable cancers have become a death sentence. #EndTigraySiege
Though some progress has been made in medical supplies entering the region, it does not come close to meeting the need nor reaching those in most urgent need. Nothing short of unfettered access will save millions still under siege in #Tigray. @ICRC @WHO @UNOCHA @MSF_EastAfrica
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